Russia has always been a powerhouse in combat sports. From Dagestan to Chechnya, the country has produced some of the toughest and most skilled fighters in the world. Simply being Russian in MMA can be intimidating for opponents. Over the years, legends like Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and modern stars such as Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev have shown the world why Russia dominates MMA. This list ranks the top 10 greatest Russian MMA fighters, highlighting their careers, achievements, and contributions to the sport.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Greatest Russian MMA Fighters
10. Alexander Shlemenko
Alexander Shlemenko may not be widely known to casual MMA fans, but his career is remarkable. At 40, he has achieved 68 wins over more than 20 years. A former Bellator Middleweight Champion, Shlemenko comes from a Greco-Roman wrestling background. He has fought in M-1 Global, EFN, and other Russian promotions, and also runs his own promotion, Shlemenko FC. His most recent fight in July 2025 ended with a first-round victory.
Shlemenko’s long career and versatility make him a notable figure among the greatest Russian MMA fighters.
| Fighter | Alexander Shlemenko |
| Record | 68-16-1 (1 NC) |
| Titles | Bellator Middleweight Champion |
| Notable Promotions | M-1 Global, EFN, Shlemenko FC |
| Last Fight | July 2025, Win |
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9. Zabit Magomedsharipov
Zabit Magomedsharipov is one of MMA’s biggest “what-ifs.” Before joining the UFC, he was the ACB Featherweight Champion and considered one of the most skilled featherweights of his generation. Zabit won all six of his UFC fights, with three victories by submission. However, he retired early to pursue a medical career. Today, he coaches his younger brother Khasan. Had he continued fighting, he could have become a UFC champion.
Zabit is remembered as one of the greatest Russian MMA fighters for his technical brilliance and undefeated UFC streak.
| Fighter | Zabit Magomedsharipov |
| Record | 18-1 |
| Titles | ACB Featherweight Champion |
| UFC Wins | 6 |
| Retirement Reason | Pursue medical career |
8. Petr Yan
Petr Yan rose to fame in the UFC bantamweight division, becoming champion in 2020 after defeating Jose Aldo. His career took a turn after a disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling in 2021, followed by defeats to Sean O’Malley, Sterling in a rematch, and Merab Dvalishvili. Despite setbacks, Yan has won three consecutive fights and is aiming for another title shot.
Yan’s resilience and technical skills place him among the greatest Russian MMA fighters in modern MMA.
| Fighter | Petr Yan |
| Record | 19-5 |
| Titles | UFC Bantamweight Champion |
| UFC Highlights | Defeated Jose Aldo, 6 UFC wins |
| Recent Form | 3 consecutive wins |
7. Andrei Arlovski
Andrei Arlovski is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and holds the record for most UFC heavyweight wins (23). Over his 20-year career, Arlovski competed in Strikeforce, WSOF, Affliction, EliteXC, ONE FC, and M-1 Challenge. He has faced legends like Francis Ngannou, Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and Frank Mir. His last fight in June 2024 ended a four-fight losing streak, though he has not retired officially.
Arlovski’s longevity and resilience make him one of the greatest Russian MMA fighters in heavyweight history.
| Fighter | Andrei Arlovski |
| Record | 34-24 |
| Titles | UFC Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Opponents | Ngannou, Miocic, Overeem |
| UFC Wins | 23 |
6. Usman Nurmagomedov
Cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman is a rising MMA star outside the UFC. Trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he is the current PFL Lightweight Champion. Usman has also fought in UAE Warriors and Eagle FC. With 20 wins and only four fights decided by judges, he is undefeated and dominating the lightweight division.
Usman continues the legacy of greatest Russian MMA fighters with his dominance in lighter weight classes.
| Fighter | Usman Nurmagomedov |
| Record | 20-0 (1 NC) |
| Titles | PFL Lightweight Champion |
| Promotions | PFL, UAE Warriors, Eagle FC |
| Last Fight | Win vs Paul Hughes |
5. Vadim Nemkov
Vadim Nemkov is one of the top Russian fighters in Bellator. A former combat sambo champion, he is the current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion with four consecutive title defenses. Nemkov also won the PFL vs Bellator super belt by submitting Bruno Cappelozza. Part of Team Fedor Emelianenko, he represents the legacy of Russian MMA fighters.
Nemkov’s skills and team associations make him a notable member of the greatest Russian MMA fighters.
| Fighter | Vadim Nemkov |
| Record | 18-2 (1 NC) |
| Titles | Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion |
| Achievements | 4 title defenses, PFL vs Bellator super belt |
| Team | Team Fedor |
4. Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev is a UFC Light Heavyweight fighter who previously held the title before losing to Alex Pereira at UFC 320. Unbeaten from 2018 until that loss, Ankalaev defeated Poatan for the 205 lbs title at UFC 313. Now 33, he is aiming to reclaim the gold.
Ankalaev’s consistency and skills place him among the greatest Russian MMA fighters of his generation.
| Fighter | Magomed Ankalaev |
| Record | 20-2-1 (1 NC) |
| Titles | UFC Light Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Wins | Defeated Poatan |
| Current Goal | Regain title |
3. Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is one of UFC’s top undefeated stars. The Chechen fighter gained fame after knocking out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds. Despite weight and illness challenges, he returned to defeat Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. In August 2025, Chimaev claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship by dominating Dricus du Plessis.
His explosive style and undefeated streak place him among the greatest Russian MMA fighters in the UFC today.
| Fighter | Khamzat Chimaev |
| Record | 15-0 |
| Titles | UFC Middleweight Champion |
| Highlights | Knockout in 17 seconds |
| Notable Wins | Robert Whittaker, Dricus du Plessis |
2. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is a UFC lightweight legend and one of the most skilled active fighters. Trained under Team Khabib, he won the Russian National Combat Sambo Championship. Islam defended the UFC Lightweight Title four times, more than any other fighter, and later won a second title at welterweight against Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev’s dominance solidifies his position among the greatest Russian MMA fighters of all time.
| Fighter | Islam Makhachev |
| Record | 28-1-1 |
| Titles | UFC Lightweight & Welterweight Champion |
| Achievements | Russian National Combat Sambo Champion |
| UFC Defenses | 4 Lightweight defenses |
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is arguably the most famous and one of the greatest Russian MMA fighters ever. Retiring undefeated, Khabib left a lasting legacy in MMA. Known for his unmatched wrestling, he dominated the UFC lightweight division. He retired after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, honoring a promise to his mother following his father’s death in 2020. Khabib has inspired fighters like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov.
| Fighter | Khabib Nurmagomedov |
| Record | 29-0 |
| Titles | UFC Lightweight Champion |
| Achievements | Undefeated, dominant wrestler |
| Retirement | UFC 254 |
FAQs
1. Who is considered the greatest Russian MMA fighter of all time?
The most widely recognized is Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated with a record of 29-0 and dominated the UFC lightweight division. His wrestling skills and legacy make him the top choice among fans and experts.
2. Which Russian MMA fighters are currently active in the UFC?
Some of the top active fighters include Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, Petr Yan, and Magomed Ankalaev. They are among the greatest Russian MMA fighters today, consistently competing at the highest level.
3. What makes Russian fighters so dominant in MMA?
Russian fighters often have strong backgrounds in wrestling, sambo, and judo, combined with discipline and mental toughness. Regions like Dagestan and Chechnya are especially known for producing world-class MMA athletes.
4. Are there any young Russian MMA stars to watch?
Yes, Usman Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev are rising stars. Both are undefeated in their careers so far and show the future of Russian dominance in MMA.