Fiziev leads CIS fighters with 8 UFC post-fight bonuses

Rafael Fiziev holds the record for the most UFC post-fight bonuses earned by any fighter from a CIS nation, having collected eight performance awards across his career. A new breakdown of bonus tallies from across the region places Fiziev at the top, with several other prominent names close behind.

Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria are tied for second place on the list, each having earned seven post-fight bonuses. Chimaev, who fights out of the United Arab Emirates and trains at Allstars Training Center, is 15-1-0 and currently ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old is one of the most physically imposing fighters in his weight class at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, and his output reflects that — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate.

Topuria, representing Spain and known as El Matador, sits at 17-1-0 and holds the number-two ranking in the lightweight division, with the top pound-for-pound spot in the UFC. The 29-year-old is a relentless pressure fighter, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute.

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan round out the top five, each with six post-fight bonuses to their name. Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and a southpaw out of Russia's Eagles MMA, carries a 28-1-0 record at 34 years old. He lands strikes at an impressive 58 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.

Why it matters

• Fiziev's eight bonuses represent the benchmark for finishing ability and entertaining performances among CIS-region fighters
• Chimaev and Topuria are within striking distance of the record despite both being under 35 and likely with years of competition remaining
• The list spans multiple divisions, from lightweight through middleweight, reflecting the depth of CIS talent currently active in the UFC