Rafael Fiziev tops the list of UFC fighters from former Soviet states with eight post-fight performance bonuses. Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria are tied in second place with seven bonuses each, alongside Dennis Siver, who was born and spent 17 years in Omsk. Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan each have six bonuses, with Alexey Oleynik rounding out the top group also on six.
Rafael Fiziev stands alone at the top of a notable regional ranking, having collected eight UFC post-fight performance bonuses to lead all fighters from former Soviet states competing in the promotion.
Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria sit one step behind on seven bonuses apiece, joined in that second-place tier by Dennis Siver, who was born in Omsk and spent 17 years there before building a career representing Germany. Siver, now 47, compiled a professional record of 23-11 across his UFC tenure and was a consistent crowd-pleaser, averaging 3.87 significant strikes per minute throughout his career. Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan each hold six bonuses, with veteran submission specialist Alexey Oleynik also sitting on six to round out the top group.
Topuria, currently ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound rankings, carries a 17-1 record and represents Spain. The 29-year-old Georgian-born fighter is one of the sport's most active strikers, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a 48 percent accuracy rate. Makhachev, meanwhile, is the reigning welterweight champion at 34 years old, boasting a 28-1 record and a dominant all-around game that includes 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and a 58 percent striking accuracy — the highest in this group.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's eight bonuses place him clear of every other UFC fighter with roots in the former Soviet Union, a region that has produced an unusually deep pool of elite talent.
- Topuria's presence on this list is notable given his Georgian heritage, even though he competes under the Spanish flag.
- Makhachev's six bonuses are particularly impressive given his grinding, tactical style, which is not traditionally associated with Performance of the Night finishes.
- The list spans active champions, current contenders, and retired veterans, illustrating how consistently the region has contributed to UFC highlight reels across multiple generations.
