Anatoly Malykhin re-enters Russian top-15 ranking before retirement takes effect

Anatoly Malykhin has made one final appearance in the monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, re-entering the top 15 following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch before stepping away from the sport for good.

Malykhin's return to the list comes paired with his retirement announcement, meaning this edition marks the last time his name will appear in the rankings. His knockout finish of Khan earned him enough recognition among voters to crack the top 15 one more time, closing out his competitive career on a winning note.

Heading the list is Islam Makhachev, who continues to hold the top spot. The 34-year-old southpaw from Russia competes at welterweight and carries a record of 28 wins and one loss. Fighting out of Eagles MMA, Makhachev lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.

Petr Yan occupies second place, followed by Khamzat Chimaev in third, according to the summary's account of the standings.

Also represented in the broader Russian rankings picture is the Eagles MMA stable through Umar Nurmagomedov, who holds a 20-1 record and is ranked second in the bantamweight division at age 30. He averages 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 56 percent clip.

Alexander Volkov, known as Drago, brings heavyweight representation to the Russian scene. The 37-year-old carries a 40-11 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, producing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.

Why it matters

• Malykhin exits the rankings on his own terms, retiring after a knockout win rather than a defeat
• His departure opens space in a competitive Russian pound-for-pound landscape
• Makhachev's continued grip on the top spot underscores the dominance of the Eagles MMA camp within Russian MMA