The 11 greatest Russian MMA fighters of all time

November 17, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Russia’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite MMA talent is undeniable. With a deep pool of combat sports heritage and regions like Dagestan producing relentless grapplers, Russian fighters have made a global mark. From modern UFC champions to legendary icons of PRIDE and Bellator, here are the 11 greatest Russian MMA fighters—counted down from 11 to 1.

11. Alexander Shlemenko – Russia’s iron man

Alexander Shlemenko may not be a household name internationally, but his career speaks volumes. With 68 professional wins and a former Bellator middleweight title to his name, Shlemenko has fought everywhere from M-1 to his own promotion, Shlemenko FC. Still active in his 40s, he continues to build his legacy on home soil.

10. Zabit Magomedsharipov – the featherweight mystery

Zabit Magomedsharipov looked destined for greatness, winning all six of his UFC bouts with slick submissions and striking. A former ACB champion, he abruptly retired to pursue a medical career, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Now coaching his brother, Zabit remains one of MMA’s biggest “what-if” stories.

9. Petr Yan – from champion to comeback trail

Petr Yan took the bantamweight division by storm, claiming UFC gold in 2020 with a win over Jose Aldo. But a disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling derailed his momentum, followed by more controversial defeats. Now riding a three-fight win streak, Yan is chasing redemption and a title shot at UFC 323.

8. Andrei Arlovski – the heavyweight veteran

Andrei Arlovski boasts the most wins in UFC heavyweight history and a career spanning over two decades. The former champion has fought legends across nearly every major MMA promotion. Though his latest UFC run ended in 2024 after a losing streak, Arlovski insists his fighting days aren’t over.

7. Usman Nurmagomedov – undefeated and surging

The cousin of Khabib, Usman Nurmagomedov has yet to taste defeat in his 20-fight career. As PFL lightweight champion, he’s carved his own path with powerful finishes and dominant performances. Still just entering his prime, Usman is considered one of Russia’s brightest rising stars outside the UFC.

6. Vadim Nemkov – Bellator’s sambo king

Vadim Nemkov rose through the ranks as a four-time defending Bellator light heavyweight champion. A former combat sambo champion and Team Fedor member, he also claimed the PFL vs. Bellator super fight title. With wins over top contenders and an 18-2 record, Nemkov has proven himself a force at 205 pounds.

5. Magomed Ankalaev – a title threat in every fight

Magomed Ankalaev captured UFC light heavyweight gold in 2024 and held it briefly before losing in a rematch to Alex Pereira. Known for his striking and grappling balance, Ankalaev had gone unbeaten for years before that setback. With a 20-2-1 record, he's still one of the top fighters in the division.

4. Khamzat Chimaev – the unbeaten wrecking machine

Chechen-born Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene with terrifying finishes and unmatched aggression. Despite weight issues and health scares, he returned to dominate Robert Whittaker in 2025 and win the UFC middleweight title against Dricus du Plessis. At 15-0, Chimaev is both feared and unpredictable.

3. Islam Makhachev – the pound-for-pound powerhouse

A protégé of Khabib, Islam Makhachev has become one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. With 28 wins and titles in both lightweight and welterweight divisions, he stands as Russia’s first UFC double champ. His sharp grappling, precise striking, and tactical mind make him a generational talent.

2. Khabib Nurmagomedov – the undefeated icon

Khabib retired at 29-0, having steamrolled the UFC lightweight division with world-class wrestling and unmatched control. Though he left the sport early after his father’s passing, his impact continues through the fighters he mentored. Khabib’s discipline, dominance, and legacy are etched into MMA history.

1. Fedor Emelianenko – the GOAT that never needed the UFC

Fedor Emelianenko is widely regarded as the best heavyweight never to compete in the UFC. A PRIDE legend with a 40-7-1 record, he dominated during MMA’s golden era and inspired generations of fighters. With titles in multiple promotions and accolades across sambo and judo, Fedor’s legacy is as vast as his resume.