Charles Azoulay looking to close out amateur career in style at MFL 19

Charles Azoulay is gunning for a spectacular finale to his amateur run.

Fresh off a highlight-reel submission victory in his MFL debut, Azoulay (2-1) steps into the main event when he battles Ramil Kamilov (6-3) for the empty MFL amateur lightweight belt this Saturday at MFL 19.

Viewing this bout as his final amateur hurdle before turning pro, Azoulay is eager to deliver a performance that will cement his reputation.

"I've been chasing that belt since I arrived, and this is a massive chance," Azoulay told MMA Empire in a sit-down interview.

"Ramil and I both knew a showdown for the title was inevitable. It's likely our last amateur matchup, and I wasn't going to walk away from something like this. Time to seize it."

Azoulay's road hasn't been straightforward. The French-born fighter has crisscrossed the globe in pursuit of an MMA path.

That quest eventually led him to Montreal, Que., where he now splits training time between Trackfit Boxing and the legendary Tristar Gym—a move he credits with transforming his game.

"I feel fantastic right now, bursting with energy. This bout is a serious test, but champions thrive under pressure. I'm fully committed to the grind and ready to compete," Azoulay shared.

"I fought back in France when MMA wasn't even fully sanctioned. The regulations were tight, and I was still green—not attached to a powerhouse gym like today. I've trained across continents, so my grappling, striking, and overall toolkit are leagues ahead."

Azoulay's ring confidence stems from living and breathing MMA day in, day out.

Now, for the first time, he can compete at his natural 155-pound frame and believes he's poised to make a serious push in the division.

"I've only fought once at 155. Previously I took bouts at 170 because I had no option—I was clearly undersized. Now I can zero in on my own development. I'm locked in across the board, so my prep stays the same. I'm in the gym year-round, and I'm pumped," Azoulay explained.

"My greatest asset is grit. I'm always putting in work, but fight night transforms me completely. It might sound trite, but I hunt until it's over. My conditioning is elite, and I trust my craft—no matter how the fight unfolds, I'll be ready."

Azoulay has been tracking Kamilov for some time and welcomed the shot to measure himself against a seasoned opponent.

While he holds genuine admiration for his rival, Azoulay sees the bout as a springboard toward the professional ranks.

"He's a legitimate competitor. I watched him at 170 and saw sharp striking, reliable wrestling, and real ground control—he could easily be the toughest test before I flip the switch to pro," Azoulay noted.

"If you want to prove you're elite, you face the top names. So let's get it."

Both fighters have already delivered crowd-pleasing outings during their amateur runs, and Azoulay expects that brand of excitement to carry into Saturday.

Method doesn't matter to Azoulay—he simply wants to lift the championship hardware.

"I see myself walking out with that belt however it happens," Azoulay declared.

"I've got some tricks up my sleeve, and I'm sure he does too. It'll come down to heart and hunger. This is shaping up as the fight of the night for certain. Both of us have been waiting for this moment, so it means a ton to each of us. I'm here to deliver a thrilling performance, and that kind of show will open doors for a pro deal."