Welcome to the world of Russian UFC fighters, where big muscles and grappling skills reign supreme. While many UFC champions hail from around the world, it’s hard to deny the dominance of Russian fighters in the MMA scene. From Khabib Nurmagomedov to Alexander Volkov, these fighters have proved their mettle time and time again.
If you’re looking for the best in the business, look no further than the current crop of Russian UFC fighters. With impressive skills across all weight classes, it’s no wonder these fighters have become dominant forces in the octagon. Get ready to discover the top Russian UFC fighters making waves in the world of MMA.
Table of Contents
Notable Russian UFC Fighters
For years, Russia has been producing some of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. Here are some of the most famous and successful Russian UFC fighters:
| Name | Division | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | Lightweight | Undefeated record of 29-0, former UFC Lightweight Champion |
| Alexander Volkov | Heavyweight | Former M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion, holds a record of 6-2 in the UFC |
| Petr Yan | Bantamweight | Current UFC Bantamweight Champion, holds a record of 7-1 in the UFC |
Khabib Nurmagomedov, also known as “The Eagle”, is considered by many to be the best lightweight fighter in the world. His undefeated record of 29-0 is a testament to his exceptional grappling skills and dominant fighting style. He is also a former UFC Lightweight Champion, having defeated Conor McGregor in one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
Alexander Volkov is a heavyweight fighter from Moscow who has been making waves in the UFC since his debut in 2016. He holds a record of 6-2 in the UFC and was previously the M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion. His impressive knockout power and technical striking have made him a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight in the division.
Petr Yan, also known as “No Mercy”, is the current UFC Bantamweight Champion. He has quickly risen through the ranks since his UFC debut in 2018 and has a record of 7-1 in the UFC. His striking abilities and aggressive style have made him a fan favorite, and he is considered by many to be one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC today.
Khabib Nurmagomedov – The Eagle
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a name that strikes fear in the hearts of his opponents. The Russian fighter has become one of the most dominant forces in the UFC today, with an undefeated record of 29-0.
What sets Khabib apart from other fighters is his grappling skills. He is a master of Sambo, a Russian martial art that emphasizes throws, takedowns, and submission holds. Once Khabib gets his opponents on the ground, he is relentless in his attacks.
“I don’t want to talk about opponents, I want to talk about domination.” – Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib’s most famous rivalry in the UFC is with Conor McGregor. In their 2018 fight, Khabib dominated McGregor on the ground before finishing the fight with a neck crank submission in the fourth round.
Outside the octagon, Khabib is known for his humility and respect for his opponents. He is a devout Muslim and often speaks about the importance of his faith in his life and career.
There is no doubt that Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters of all time, and his dominance in the UFC shows no signs of slowing down.
Alexander Volkov – Dragos 2.0
Alexander Volkov is a heavyweight fighter from Moscow who has made a name for himself in the UFC with his impressive knockout power. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing in at over 240 pounds, Volkov is a towering presence in the octagon, and he’s used his size and strength to great effect over the course of his MMA career.
Volkov began his UFC career in 2016 with a victory over Timothy Johnson, and he’s since racked up an impressive record of wins against some of the toughest fighters in the division. He’s earned notable victories over Stefan Struve, Fabricio Werdum, and Alistair Overeem, among others, and he’s currently considered one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division.
Alexander Volkov – Dragos 2.0
| Height: | 6’7″ |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 247 lbs |
| Reach: | 80″ |
| Record: | 34-8-0 (UFC: 8-1-0) |
“I feel like a machine when I’m inside the octagon. I’m just focused on what I need to do to win, and I don’t let anything distract me.”
Volkov’s most recent victory came in February of 2021, when he defeated Alistair Overeem in the second round of their fight with a devastating TKO. It was a performance that solidified Volkov’s status as one of the top heavyweight fighters in the UFC, and it left many fans excited to see what he’ll do next.
When it comes to style, Volkov is known for his striking ability, particularly his powerful kicks and straight punches. He’s also worked to improve his grappling and ground game over the years, making him a well-rounded fighter who can hold his own in any situation.
Overall, Alexander Volkov is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s heavyweight division, and he’s a fighter that fans will definitely want to keep an eye on as his career continues to unfold.
Petr Yan – No Mercy
Petr Yan is a rising star in the UFC’s bantamweight division. The fighter from Siberia made a name for himself in the Russian MMA scene before transitioning to the UFC in 2018. Since then, Yan has put together an impressive record and has quickly become one of the top fighters in his division.
Yan is known for his impressive striking abilities, particularly his powerful punches and kicks. He also has a strong ground game and is a skilled grappler. Yan’s combination of striking and grappling skills make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in his division.
In July of 2020, Yan faced off against former featherweight champion Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title. Yan dominated the fight from start to finish, showcasing his impressive striking and grappling skills. He ultimately won the fight via TKO in the fifth round, securing his first UFC title.
Yan’s win over Aldo solidified his status as one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what’s next for the rising star.
Zabit Magomedsharipov – Zabeast
Zabit Magomedsharipov is a featherweight fighter from Dagestan who has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC. He has an impressive record of 18 wins and only 1 loss, with 5 of those wins coming in the UFC.
Magomedsharipov is known for his exciting fighting style, which includes a mix of striking and grappling techniques. He is particularly skilled in the grappling department, with an impressive array of submissions in his arsenal.
One of Magomedsharipov’s most impressive performances came in his fight against Kyle Bochniak, where he threw a record-breaking 100 significant strikes in a three-round fight. He has also displayed his grappling skills in fights against Jeremy Stephens and Brandon Davis.
Zabit Magomedsharipov – The Rising Featherweight Star
Magomedsharipov’s impressive performances have earned him a reputation as a rising star in the featherweight division. He is currently ranked #3 in the UFC featherweight rankings, behind only current champion Alexander Volkanovski and former champion Max Holloway.
Many fans and analysts believe that Magomedsharipov has the potential to become a future champion in the UFC. His well-rounded skill set, combined with his youth and athleticism, make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
Zabit Magomedsharipov – What’s Next?
Magomedsharipov’s next fight has not yet been announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the octagon. It’s likely that he will face another top-ranked featherweight contender in his next fight, with a potential title shot on the line.
Regardless of who he faces next, fans can expect another exciting performance from Zabit Magomedsharipov, as he continues to establish himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC today.
Islam Makhachev – The Russian Bear
Islam Makhachev is a lightweight fighter from Dagestan, Russia. He started his career in 2010 and has since become one of the most impressive fighters in the UFC.
Makhachev is known for his impressive grappling skills, which he has honed under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is a two-time Combat Sambo world champion and a master of the ground game.
Makhachev has a professional record of 19 wins and 1 loss, with his only defeat coming in his second UFC fight against Adriano Martins back in 2015. Since then, he has won seven fights in a row and has steadily climbed up the lightweight rankings.
In his most recent fight, Makhachev dominated Drew Dober with his grappling, earning a third-round submission victory. He is currently ranked number 9 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
Makhachev has often been compared to his friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both fighters come from Dagestan and are known for their incredible grappling skills. Makhachev has said that he wants to follow in Nurmagomedov’s footsteps and become the next dominant lightweight champion.
“I want to be the next Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is my friend, my mentor, and my inspiration. I know I have the skills to become a champion, and I will do whatever it takes to get there.” -Islam Makhachev
Makhachev’s next opponent has yet to be announced, but many fans and pundits expect him to continue his winning streak and move even closer to a title shot. With his impressive grappling skills and relentless work ethic, Makhachev is definitely a fighter to watch in the coming years.
Sergei Pavlovich – The Paratrooper
Sergei Pavlovich is a heavyweight fighter from Moscow who has been making waves in the world of MMA. He has an impressive record of 13 wins and only one loss, with 11 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Pavlovich made his UFC debut in November 2018, where he knocked out his opponent, Tai Tuivasa, in the first round. He then suffered his first loss in his next fight against Alistair Overeem, but bounced back with a win over Maurice Greene in June 2020.
What sets Pavlovich apart from other heavyweight fighters is his speed and agility. He moves like a much smaller fighter and can quickly close the distance on his opponents, landing devastating strikes.
The Paratrooper’s Fighting Style
Pavlovich’s fighting style is centered around his striking ability. He has heavy hands and can knock out his opponents with one punch. He also has good head movement and footwork, which allows him to avoid getting hit while closing the distance on his opponents.
Although Pavlovich’s grappling skills are not as developed as his striking, he has shown that he is more than capable of defending takedowns and getting back to his feet if he does get taken down.
The Paratrooper’s Recent Win
In his most recent UFC fight, Pavlovich faced off against Maurice Greene. Pavlovich dominated the fight from start to finish, using his speed and striking to keep Greene on the defensive.
In the third round, Pavlovich landed a brutal combination of punches that sent Greene to the canvas, ending the fight by TKO.
“I’m ready for anyone in the heavyweight division,” Pavlovich said after the fight. “I’m here to show everyone what I’m capable of.”
With his impressive striking and knockout power, Sergei Pavlovich is definitely a fighter to watch in the heavyweight division.
Rustam Khabilov – Tiger
Rustam Khabilov is a lightweight fighter from Dagestan who has made a name for himself in the UFC. He has an impressive grappling background, with a sanda and sambo wrestling style that has helped him dominate his opponents on the ground.
Khabilov made his UFC debut in 2013 with a unanimous decision win over Vinc Pichel. He followed that up with an impressive knockout victory over Yancy Medeiros, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Since then, Khabilov has amassed an impressive record, with wins over notable fighters such as Jorge Masvidal, Chris Wade, and Kajan Johnson. He is known for his relentless pressure and ability to control his opponents on the ground, often earning him unanimous decision victories.
Khabilov’s recent win streak has put him on the radar as a potential contender in the UFC’s lightweight division. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the “Tiger” as he continues his impressive rise in the world of mixed martial arts.
Magomed Ankalaev – Macho
Magomed Ankalaev is a rising star in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, with an impressive record of 15-1-0. The 28-year-old fighter from Dagestan is known for his powerful striking abilities and high-level grappling skills.
Ankalaev made his UFC debut in 2018, and quickly made a name for himself with a devastating knockout win over Marcin Prachnio. He followed that up with back-to-back decision victories over Klidson Abreu and Dalcha Lungiambula.
But it was Ankalaev’s most recent performance that truly put him on the map. In February 2021, he faced off against former title challenger Nikita Krylov, and put on a clinic with his striking. He landed over 100 significant strikes and knocked Krylov down multiple times en route to a unanimous decision victory.
With his impressive win streak and exciting fighting style, Ankalaev is definitely a fighter to watch in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He’s still young in his career, but has already shown that he can hang with the best in the world.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Russian UFC Fighters
Who is the best Russian fighter in the UFC?
Without a doubt, Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently the most dominant Russian fighter in the UFC. He boasts an undefeated record of 29-0 and has achieved some of the most impressive victories in UFC history.
Who could be the next big thing in the UFC from Russia?
There are several rising stars from Russia to watch out for in the UFC. One of them is lightweight fighter Islam Makhachev, who has a record of 19-1 and is a teammate and close friend of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Another fighter to watch is light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, who has shown impressive striking abilities and has a record of 15-1.
Will there be more Russian fighters in the UFC?
It’s likely that we will see more Russian fighters in the UFC in the future. The country has a strong tradition of combat sports and there are many talented fighters who could make their way to the world stage. The UFC has already signed several promising Russian fighters in recent years, and it’s possible that we will see even more in the coming years.
