Tynchtykbek was born in the village of Sary-Küngöy, located in the Osh region, which is now named after Ryspay Abdykadyrov. He graduated from the school named after Ibraim Orozaliev and then enrolled at Osh Technological University, where he obtained a degree in "finance and credit".
Before becoming an MMA coach, he practiced boxing. According to him, at the beginning of his career, he faced criticism from other coaches who doubted his skills and claimed that he was too harsh with the athletes. After six months of working in boxing, he decided to shift his focus to MMA.
The first training sessions in mixed martial arts took place without a gym of his own. Tynchtykbek held classes on the streets of Osh — under a bridge over the Ak-Buura River, at the city stadium, and on Suuyman-Too. Even now, he says, he does not have his own sports hall, but his trainees continue to practice in various locations, following him.
Beginning of the coaching career with Myktybek Orolbay uulu
Tynchtykbek met future UFC fighter Myktybek Orolbay uulu through his older brothers — Zamirbek and Kuttubek Toktobaevs. Kuttubek, being a friend of one of the coach's trainees, introduced him to Myktybek, who was then a 19-year-old young man when he started training under his guidance in September 2017.
The coach admits that he initially did not see outstanding talent in Myktybek. This was pointed out to him by another of his trainees — Aziz Satybaldiev, who could also have become a UFC fighter if it weren't for the pandemic.
“He doesn’t have very good technique, he doesn’t know many moves, but his cardio is at a good level,” shares Omurzakov, referring to Aziz's remarks about Myktybek.
Tynchtykbek also highlighted the importance of his friend Altynbek Baltagulov, who trains beginner athletes. It was under his guidance that Myktybek began his first training sessions before moving to Tynchtykbek.
Meeting with Uran Satybaldiev
Separately, Tynchtykbek spoke about his meeting with Uran Satybaldiev. One of his trainees, Bektursun Tagaev, recommended Uran to him, as he is his brother.
“Uran is interested in martial arts, he is tall and strong. Take him, he could become a great fighter,” Tynchtykbek relayed Tagaev's words.
Thus, in 2020, Uran began training with Tynchtykbek. Immediately after starting the classes, the coach set him a task — “not to step over the line,” which Uran successfully accomplished. This gave Tynchtykbek confidence that Uran would become an excellent light heavyweight, and he began to motivate him, assuring him that he could become a Kyrgyz hero, bringing glory to Kyrgyzstan on the world stage.
Tynchtykbek also warned Uran against bad company and emphasized that he should not engage in theft or seek easy money.
“Uulu Kyrgyz”: principles are more important than strength
This approach is applied by Tynchtykbek to all fighters in his club “Uulu Kyrgyz”. He convinces them not to use strength for selfish purposes: not to rob, not to seek easy money, and not to pose a threat to others. Tynchtykbek emphasizes that his goal is not only to raise a fighter but also to cultivate a person with high moral principles.
“I ask my trainees to study, pray, and train. I find the tournaments where my students can compete on my own. We do not aim to make them just fighters, but people with principles who will be beneficial to our country,” he says.
Myktybek: weight category 70 or 77 kg
When asked in which weight Myktybek Orolbay uulu performs better — at 70 or 77 kg, Tynchtykbek noted that the optimal weight is welterweight (77 kg).
He explained that in this weight category, the athlete does not need to exhaust his body with grueling weight cuts, and he feels more comfortable. However, Myktybek himself would prefer to compete in lightweight (70 kg), but the coach insists on his opinion.
Discipline and upbringing of athletes
In response to a question about punishments for mistakes, Tynchtykbek stated that he tries to avoid this. According to him, when new athletes come to the team, the first months focus not on physical load but on forming the right qualities.
He shared that during the first year he “does not overload his trainees either physically or psychologically,” but teaches them to be people who do not pose a threat to others. Only after a year of training does he begin to emphasize sports preparation and the development of the fighter.
Tynchtykbek added that his athletes do not smoke, do not drink, and do not associate with criminal circles. This approach, he says, allows even those who could not build a professional career to work in the police, special forces, and border troops, serving Kyrgyzstan.
“My main goal is to do something useful for our country,” he emphasizes.
Collaboration with Team Alpha Male and Urijah Faber
Tynchtykbek also spoke about his interaction with coach Urijah Faber from Team Alpha Male, noting that there are no disagreements between them.
He emphasized that Urijah listens to his recommendations and prepares Myktybek and Uran according to his fight plan. However, he added that before the fight with Polish fighter Mateusz Rebecki, Myktybek prepared according to Team Alpha Male's plan, but it did not work out.
“In all other fights, Myktybek came out with my plan and won. After such results, we do not have disputes about the fight plan — everything goes under my guidance,” noted Tynchtykbek.
The team's journey to the USA and Team Alpha Male gym
The coach shared that after arriving in the USA, they were met by compatriots in Chicago, where they trained and competed for a while. However, soon Tynchtykbek noticed that there was no progress and reached out directly to Urijah Faber.
Faber agreed to take Myktybek but on the condition that the team must have its own housing and transportation, as it is difficult without this in California.
After that, they contacted manager Vladislav Nikitin, who provided them with housing and a car in California. Tynchtykbek described Nikitin as a “connecting bridge” that helped them get into the gym. He also shared that Myktybek sparred and immediately caught the attention of the coaches at Team Alpha Male.
Emotions during the fights of trainees in the UFC
When asked if he feels nervous when Uran and Myktybek enter the UFC octagon, Tynchtykbek replied that he does not feel jittery.
He feels responsible, but during the fight, he is “not worried” — he becomes more attentive and focused, quickly reacting to actions in the cage. Tynchtykbek added that with many years of experience in leading fighters into bouts, he clearly understands what needs to be done.
Spectacle and streaming service requirements
Tynchtykbek also shared his opinion on the media side of the UFC. He is not worried about the contract signed by the UFC with the streaming service “Paramount Plus,” which requires the league to have spectacular and appealing fighters.
The coach shared that he recently discussed this with the fighters, and the team emphasized more spectacular stand-up fights. At the same time, he noted that there would be no trash talk: athletes will not insult their opponents for promotion.
“All actions should take place in the octagon; the fights should be spectacular,” he emphasizes, adding that in the last fight against Hermansson, they tried to focus on spectacle, and they succeeded.
Plans to invite Arman Tsarukyan to Kyrgyzstan
Tynchtykbek shared plans to invite fighter Arman Tsarukyan to Kyrgyzstan after Myktybek publicly invited him.
According to the coach, they want to show Arman Kyrgyz traditions and culture, as well as teach him to play kok-boru.
However, Tynchtykbek noted that each fighter has their own calendar plan, and Arman is currently ranked first in the lightweight division, focusing on his career.
“As soon as he wins the title, we will definitely invite him. Right now, we do not want to distract him,” he added.
UFC evaluation
Speaking about the UFC, Tynchtykbek called this organization the best fighting league in the world.
He noted that thanks to the performances of Kyrgyz fighters, Kyrgyzstan is recognized all over the world. The coach also emphasized that the UFC provides excellent conditions — in terms of housing, training, and medical assistance after fights.
“We are very happy to represent our country through this organization,” concluded Tynchtykbek.
Dream: to hold a UFC tournament in Kyrgyzstan
The coach commented on the construction of the “Bishkek Arena” for 51,000 spectators, which is expected to be completed this year, and expressed his desire to bring the UFC to Kyrgyzstan.
“Holding a UFC tournament in Kyrgyzstan is my big dream. It will attract even more attention to our country, develop tourism, and present our culture, mentality, and traditions to the world,” he noted.
A long journey to the UFC
Tynchtykbek emphasized that for his trainees who have reached the UFC, it is the result of many years of hard work and collaboration.
He noted that he has been working towards this goal since 2012-2013 and emphasized that the success of the team was not accidental but achieved through hard work.
Prospects for fighters from Kyrgyzstan
When asked if there are fighters in Kyrgyzstan who may soon debut in the UFC, Tynchtykbek answered affirmatively.
He is confident that among promising athletes, there are many talented fighters in each weight category, many of whom are successfully competing in other leagues. Tynchtykbek is ready to help these fighters and their coaches in signing contracts with the UFC, and the doors of the “Uulu Kyrgyz” club are always open.
Gratitude to the president and the head of the GKNB
Commenting on Myktybek Orolbay uulu's words of gratitude to President Sadyr Japarov and the head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev after the fight, Tynchtykbek emphasized that such words do not have personal gain.
“We do not thank the country's leadership for personal interests. This is a sincere expression of gratitude for their work and the development of Kyrgyzstan. We do not expect reciprocal actions from the highest leadership; we see what they do for the people. Thanking them after the fight was a great opportunity,” he noted.
He also added that this year the World Nomad Games will be held in Kyrgyzstan, and the team wants to invite friends from around the world, including Urijah Faber.
Plans to build a gym
Tynchtykbek shared his intentions to build his own gym. He already envisions how the space will be arranged, including showers and doors.
“Unfortunately, last year the head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev spoke out against MMA, which is why we temporarily suspended the plan to build the gym. We do not want to conflict with the authorities. My goal is to convey to Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich the main idea of MMA and prove that this sport does not harbor bad intentions,” said Tynchtykbek.
Advice for beginner athletes
In conclusion of the interview, Tynchtykbek Omurzakov gave important advice to those who are just starting their journey in MMA.
He urged young athletes to develop themselves and engage in Olympic sports, which create a good foundation for mixed martial arts.
“If you compete in Olympic sports, you will be able to bring glory to our country on the international stage,” he concluded.
