A UFC fighter from Dagestan typically exemplifies a strong wrestling background, often derived from training in traditional styles like Sambo and Combat Sambo. These fighters are known for their exceptional grappling skills, relentless pressure, and ground control.
Their training often starts at a young age, combining rigorous physical conditioning with technical skill development. The Dagestani fighting style is characterized by high-level wrestling techniques, effective transitions, and ground-and-pound tactics. Check out the Top 10 UFC Dagestan Fighters of all time.
Umar Nurmagomedov(17,2KO)
Umar Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has previously competed in the Eagle Fighting Championship and Professional Fighters League.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 20. In his first fight, he faced Sergey Morozov and secured a victory via rear-naked choke in the second round. This debut highlighted Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess and submission skills, establishing him as a promising prospect in the bantamweight division.
Askar Askarov(15-1-1,4KO)
Askar Saypulayevich Askarov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler who competes in the Flyweight division of the Absolute Championship Akhmat.
Askar Askarov, a Dagestani mixed martial artist, made his UFC debut on September 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 159. In his first fight, he faced Brandon Moreno. The bout ended in a split draw, with both fighters demonstrating high-level skills and resilience. This debut highlighted Askarov’s grappling expertise and tenacity, establishing him as a formidable contender in the flyweight division.
Said Nurmagomedov(18-3,4KO)
Said Nurmagomedov, a Russian mixed martial artist, currently competing as a bantamweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2009, he formerly competed for Absolute Championship Berkut and World Fighting Championship Akhmat. He is a former AFC Bantamweight Champion.
Said Nurmagomedov UFC debut on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133. In his first fight, he faced Justin Scoggins and secured a victory via split decision. This debut showcased Nurmagomedov’s striking versatility and composure under pressure, marking the start of his journey in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Islam Makhachev(26-1,5KO)
Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is the current UFC Lightweight Champion.
Islam Makhachev, a Dagestani mixed martial artist, made his UFC debut on October 25, 2015, at UFC 192. In his first fight, he faced Leo Kuntz and secured a victory via submission (kimura) in the third round. This debut showcased Makhachev’s high-level grappling and control, marking the beginning of his successful career in the lightweight division.
Zabit Magomedsharipov(18-1,6KO)
Zabit Akhmedovich Magomedsharipov is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist. He fought in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Absolute Championship Berkut, where he was the ACB Featherweight Champion.
Zabit Magomedsharipov’s UFC debut on September 2, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 115. In his first fight, he faced Mike Santiago and secured a victory via submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round. This debut highlighted Magomedsharipov’s diverse skill set and dynamic fighting style, marking the beginning of his impressive run in the featherweight division.
Khabib Nurmagomedov(29,8KO)
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a former Russian professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Khabib Nurmagomedov was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion ever, having held the title from April 2018 to March 2021. The famous fight of Khabib vs McGregor is still in brains of UFC fans which Khabib won comprehensively.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut on January 17, 2012, at UFC on FX 1. In the first fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Kamal Shalorus and secured a victory via submission (kimura) in the third round. This debut highlighted Nurmagomedov’s dominant grappling and ground control, marking the start of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s storied career in the UFC’s lightweight division becoming the best in the Top 10 UFC Dagestan Fighters.
Usman Nurmagomedov(17-1,8KO)
Usman Magomednabiyevich Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA, where he is the current Bellator Lightweight Champion. He has previously competed in the UAE Warriors and Eagle Fighting Championship.
Usman Nurmagomedov debut on April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255. In his first fight, he faced Mike Hamel and secured a victory via unanimous decision. This debut showcased Nurmagomedov’s striking versatility and technical skill, marking a successful start to his career in Bellator’s lightweight division.
Omari Akhmedov(24-8-1,8KO)
Omari Akhmedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division. He previously fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Professional Fighters League.
Omari Akhmedov, a Russian mixed martial artist from Dagestan, made his UFC debut on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32. In his first fight, he faced Thiago Perpétuo and secured an impressive victory via knockout in the first round. This debut showcased Akhmedov’s striking power and marked the beginning of his career in the UFC, setting the stage for his future in the middleweight division.
Magomed Ankalaev(18-1-1,10KO)
Magomed Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. Magomed Ankalaev currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Magomed Ankalaev is #2 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Magomed Ankalaev made his UFC debut on March 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 127. In his first fight, he faced Paul Craig. Despite dominating most of the fight, Ankalaev lost via submission (triangle choke) in the final seconds of the third round. This debut, although ending in a surprising defeat, showcased Ankalaev’s striking and grappling skills, indicating his potential in the light heavyweight division.
Muslim Salikhov(20-5,13KO)
Muslim Magomedovich Salikhov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and Sanda fighter, who currently competes in the Welterweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Muslim Salikhov, a Dagestani MMA fighter known as the “King of Kung Fu,” made his UFC debut on November 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 122. He faced Alex Garcia in his first fight. Despite high expectations, Salikhov lost via a rear-naked choke in the second round. The bout showcased his striking prowess but also highlighted areas for improvement in his grappling defense. This debut was a learning experience for Salikhov, leading to subsequent improvements in his UFC career.
