Islam Makhachev leads the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings compiled by 32 journalists and experts, with Petr Yan second and Khamzat Chimaev third. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at 14th place following his knockout victory over Umar Khan, after which Malykhin announced his retirement from MMA. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov are tied fourth, while Arman Tsarukyan ranks sixth. This will be the last ranking in which Malykhin is eligible to appear, as he has officially retired from the sport.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, compiled by a panel of 32 journalists and experts and published on July 1, 2026. Petr Yan finished second and Khamzat Chimaev third, while Anatoly Malykhin made a dramatic return to the list at 14th — only to bow out of the sport entirely.
Makhachev, 34, represents the undisputed standard-bearer of Russian MMA at this moment. The Eagles MMA product holds a 28-1 record and currently competes at welterweight as champion. A southpaw standing 178 cm tall with a matching 178 cm reach, he lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and adds 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Alexander Volkov, nicknamed Drago, and Vadim Nemkov share fourth place on the list. Volkov, 37, brings a massive 201 cm frame and an 80-inch reach to the heavyweight division, where he ranks first. His 40-11 record reflects a long and productive career, and he generates 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Arman Tsarukyan slots in sixth overall.
Malykhin's re-entry at 14th is bittersweet. The ranking was triggered by his knockout win over Umar Khan, but Malykhin subsequently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, meaning this edition marks the final time he will appear on the list.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's position atop the Russian pound-for-pound poll cements his status as the country's most dominant active fighter across all weight classes.
- Volkov and Nemkov sharing fourth underlines the depth Russia maintains in the heavier divisions.
- Malykhin's farewell ranking highlights the sport losing one of its notable knockout artists at the moment he re-entered the national conversation.
