Several Muslim fighters have competed in the UFC, contributing significantly to the sport’s diversity and global appeal. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Kamaru Usman have gained prominence not only for their skills inside the Octagon but also for openly practicing their faith.
Their dedication to mixed martial arts (MMA) is often intertwined with their religious identity, showcasing a range of backgrounds from different countries and cultures while embodying discipline, respect, and determination in their careers. Check out the list of Top 10 UFC Muslim Fighters of All Time.
Manel Kape(19-6,11KO)
Manel Kape is an Angolan-born Portuguese professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Flyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
He made his UFC debut on February 6, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 184. In his debut fight, Kape faced Alexandre Pantoja and lost via unanimous decision in a competitive bout. Before joining the UFC, Kape gained recognition for his performances in other MMA promotions, including Rizin Fighting Federation, where he became the flyweight champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0, 8KO)
In term of KOs, Khabib inches behind Manel. But as UFC fighter, Khabib has made his unique image as Muslim UFC Fighter. Khabib made his UFC debut in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus with an excellent win. After 6 years of excellent records in UFC, Khabib won the UFC Lightweight championship against Al Iaquinta.
But the turning point of Khabib’s career was in 2018 when he came against Conor McGrgor. Altought 2018 was the best year for Khabib as a UFC Fighter was, The fight against Conor made his postion very important in UFC elite class of fighter.
After winning against Conor McGrgor, Khabib defend his title of UFC Lightweight for 2 years. Check out the full story behind the Conor and Khabib’s fight. In 2020, Khabib announced retirement from all from of UFC fights and become the number 1 fighter in the list of Top 10 UFC Muslim Fighters of All Time.
Shavkat Rakhmonov(18,8KO)
Shavkat Bakhtibayuly Rakhmonov is a Kazakh professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rakhmonov is also a former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion. he is #3 in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Shavkat debuted in UFC on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254. In his debut fight, Rakhmonov faced Alex Oliveira and won via submission in the first round, showcasing his well-rounded skills and finishing ability. Before joining the UFC, Rakhmonov had an impressive undefeated record and gained recognition for his performances in various regional promotions, including his time as the former M-1 Global welterweight champion.
Amir Albazi(17-1,5KO)
Amir Albazi is an Iraqi professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is #3 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
He made his UFC debut on July 18, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172. In his debut fight, Albazi faced Malcolm Gordon and won via submission (triangle choke) in the first round, marking an impressive start to his UFC career. Known for his well-rounded skills and grappling prowess.
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 made his UFC debut on October 4, 2015, at UFC 192. In his debut fight, he faced Leo Kuntz and won via submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round. Since then, Makhachev has established himself as a top contender in the UFC lightweight division, known for his exceptional grappling skills and impressive victories inside the Octagon.
Rafael Fiziev(12-8,3KO)
Rafael Fiziev is an Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is #8 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
Fiziev debuted in UFC on October 26, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 162. In his first fight in the promotion, he faced Alex White and won via unanimous decision, impressing fans with his technical prowess and striking combinations. Fiziev continues to showcase his skills in the Octagon, gaining attention for his exciting fighting style and potential in the highly competitive lightweight division of the UFC.
Movsar Evloev(18-0,3KO)
Movsar Evloev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Featherweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2014, he has also competed at M-1 Global, where he is the former bantamweight champion.
Movsar debuted in UFC on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 149. In his first fight in the promotion, Evloev defeated Seung Woo Choi via unanimous decision, demonstrating his well-rounded skills and grappling prowess.
Umar Nurmagomedov(17-0,2KO)
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.
He made his UFC debut on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 20. In his debut fight, Nurmagomedov faced Sergey Morozov and won via rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Umar Nurmagomedov is notable for being the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, and he continues to build his career with the same dedication and discipline that runs in their family.
Muhammad Mokaev(12-1,2KO)
Muhammad Muradovich Mokaev is an English professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler. He currently competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He formerly competed in Brave Combat Federation. he is #6 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
He made his professional MMA debut on October 24, 2020, and is known for his exceptional grappling skills and undefeated record in the sport. Mokaev gained attention in the MMA community for his impressive amateur career, where he amassed a record of 23-0 and won numerous championships, including the IMMAF World Championships.
Tagir Ulanbekov (15-2, 1KO)
Tagir Radzhabovich Ulanbekov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is also the former Fight Nights Global Flyweight Champion.
He made his UFC debut on October 17, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 180. In his debut fight, Ulanbekov faced Bruno Silva and won via unanimous decision, showcasing his grappling expertise and well-rounded skills. Ulanbekov continues to compete in the UFC, aiming to establish himself as a contender in the competitive flyweight division.
