Sardor of Mokpo Science University balances work and fighting career
'My ultimate goal is to become champion and repay my parents'
Sardor Abdusatorov, a 21-year-old Uzbek international student who juggles studies, work and a mixed martial arts career in South Korea, is chasing a fourth straight Road FC victory.
Sardor will face Lee Jae-hoon (24, SSMA Sangseung Gym) in the flyweight division at Road FC 079, set for Jangchung Arena in Seoul on Nov. 1.
Born in Uzbekistan in 2005, Sardor competed in judo for seven years and represented his country at the youth national team level, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 International Central Asian Judo Championship. He arrived in South Korea three years ago and is currently enrolled in the shipbuilding department at Mokpo Science University, following in the footsteps of his older brother, who studied in the same program before settling in Korea for work.
Life in Korea was not easy from the outset. Sardor eats only halal food for religious reasons and struggled to adapt to the local diet. "Before a semi-pro bout I ate Korean food and threw up right after the fight," he admitted.
He attends classes Monday through Wednesday and spends the rest of his time working and training. Rising at 5 a.m. to work at residential demolition sites, he has kept his MMA dream alive throughout.
Sardor made his professional debut in Road FC this year, reeling off three consecutive wins over Park Sang-min, Hwang Deok-young and Ko Dong-hyeok — all by knockout. He now sets his sights on a fourth straight win against Lee, who is also known for his punching power.
With the bout against Lee, Sardor will have competed four times in a single year. Even accounting for his youth at 21, fighting at such a rapid pace while keeping up with coursework and a day job is a remarkable grind.
"I'm not that interested in Lee Jae-hoon," Sardor said. "I'm going to win by KO."
His ultimate goal is to claim the Road FC championship and give back to his parents. He stays connected with his family back home through video calls and has relied on gym director Jeong Gwang-seok for support in his daily life in Korea.
Sardor said he hopes to win this fight and then visit his hometown in December to spend the year-end holidays with his family. "The best food I ever had when I went home was the meal my mother cooked for me," he said, his eyes welling up. "I want to go back soon and eat her cooking."
yjc@heraldcorp.com
