Islam Makhachev leads the latest monthly ranking of Russia's top 15 MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, with Petr Yan second and Hamzat Chimaev third. Anatoly Malykhin returned to the list at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in their rematch, but will be excluded from future editions following his retirement announcement. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth and fifth place, while Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, Movsar Evloev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Umar Nurmagomedov round out the top ten.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in Russia's latest monthly MMA rankings, with the list compiled by a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts and released on July 1, 2026. Petr Yan sits second and Hamzat Chimaev third, while the rankings also mark what is set to be Anatoly Malykhin's final appearance on the list.
Makhachev, 34, enters the rankings as the welterweight champion with a record of 28-1. The Dagestan native, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is one of the sport's most complete fighters, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. His ranking at the summit of this Russian poll comes as little surprise given his continued dominance at the top of the sport.
Alexander Volkov, known as Drago, and Vadim Nemkov share fourth and fifth place respectively. Volkov, 37, holds a heavyweight record of 40-11 and is currently ranked first in his division. The towering Russian stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and averages nearly five significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more active strikers among Russian fighters on the list.
Umar Nurmagomedov rounds out the top ten at number ten. The 30-year-old bantamweight carries a record of 20-1 and holds the number-two ranking in his division. Fighting out of Eagles MMA alongside Makhachev, Umar averages 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 56 percent clip.
Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, Movsar Evloev, and Usman Nurmagomedov also feature in the top ten.
Malykhin returned to the rankings at number 14 following a knockout win over Umar Khan in their rematch, but the panel confirmed he will be excluded from future editions after the fighter announced his retirement.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's position atop the Russian rankings reinforces his standing as the country's premier active fighter across all promotions
- Malykhin's farewell appearance closes a chapter for one of MMA's most decorated light heavyweight champions outside the UFC
- The rankings reflect growing Russian depth, with Eagles MMA alone placing multiple fighters inside the top ten
