Kyrgyzstan emerges as rising MMA power with six top fighters in major promotions

Kyrgyzstan has evolved from being known only for Valentina Shevchenko and Rafael Fiziev to producing multiple champions and elite-level fighters in recent years. The post highlights six standout fighters: Radjabali Shaidullaev (25, 19-0, Rizin featherweight champion), Zhakshylyk Myrzabekov (27, 15-2, interim ACA welterweight champion), Edil Esengulov (27, 14-4, on three-fight finish streak in ACA including a submission win over Ibrahim Magomedov), Akbar Abdullayev (28, 13-0, five straight finishes in ONE Championship), Kubanych Abdisalam (31, 23-3, former Brave lightweight champion who left undefeated), and Mykhtybek Orolbay (28, 10-2, pushing for UFC welterweight top-15). All fighters are relatively young and showing upward trajectories in their careers. The trend represents serious progress for Kyrgyzstani MMA as a whole, with multiple fighters competing at the highest levels across different weight classes and organizations.