Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in their rematch, but will not be eligible for future editions following his retirement announcement. The full top five is rounded out by Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov tied at fourth.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in Russia's latest monthly MMA rankings, with a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts placing the reigning welterweight champion ahead of Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev in the July 2026 edition. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth place, while Anatoly Malykhin's knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch earned him a return to the list at number 14 — though his recent retirement announcement means it will be his last appearance in future editions.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and represents Eagles MMA out of Dagestan. A southpaw standing 178 cm tall with a matching 178 cm reach, he has built his dominance on a blend of elite grappling and improving striking, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts in the same window. His 58 percent striking accuracy further underlines the all-around pressure he generates.
Volkov, nicknamed Drago, sits fourth on the strength of a 40-11-0 record at heavyweight, where he holds the number-one divisional ranking. The 37-year-old orthodox fighter from the Strela Team stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and leads all Russian fighters in striking output, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's unanimous placement at the summit reflects his status as the consensus best active Russian fighter across global MMA.
- Malykhin's re-entry and simultaneous farewell mark a significant moment for one of Russian MMA's most decorated recent champions.
- Volkov's fourth-place ranking highlights the depth at the top, with the heavyweight contender keeping pace with fighters from lighter, often more celebrated divisions.
