Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings compiled by 32 journalists and experts, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at No. 14 after his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, but will not appear in future editions following his retirement announcement. The full top 15 also includes Alexander Volkov, Vadim Nemkov, Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, Movsar Evloev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Umar Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, a poll conducted by 32 journalists and experts that was published on July 1, 2026. Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev follow him at second and third, while Anatoly Malykhin made a final appearance in the list at number 14 before his retirement brings his ranking eligibility to a close.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and currently holds the welterweight championship. Fighting out of Eagles MMA as a southpaw standing 178 centimeters tall with a 178-centimeter reach, the Dagestani has built his dominance on a striking accuracy of 58 percent and a takedown rate of 3.2 per 15 minutes, complemented by 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a profile that makes him as dangerous on the feet as he is on the mat.
Alexander Volkov, nicknamed Drago, also features in the top 15. The 37-year-old heavyweight from Strela Team holds a 40-11 record and ranks first in his division. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, Volkov generates 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, making him one of the most prolific volume strikers in the heavyweight rankings.
Umar Nurmagomedov, also of Eagles MMA, rounds out the notable names in the list. The 30-year-old bantamweight holds a 20-1 record and sits second in his division, combining 3.86 significant strikes landed per minute with a takedown rate of 4.03 per 15 minutes.
Malykhin's inclusion at number 14 comes on the back of a knockout win over Umar Khan in their rematch, a final competitive result that earned him one last entry before the panel confirmed he will not be considered in future editions following his retirement.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's poll position cements his standing as the benchmark fighter produced by Russian MMA
- Malykhin's farewell ranking acknowledges a career-closing knockout and closes the door on his future eligibility
- The full top 15 reflects the depth of Russian talent across multiple UFC divisions, from bantamweight through heavyweight
