Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of the best Russian MMA fighters regardless of weight class, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second, followed by Khamzat Chimaev, Alexander Volkov, and Vadim Nemkov. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, but will not be eligible for future rankings following his retirement announcement.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best active MMA fighters across all weight classes, with the poll compiled by a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts and published on July 1, 2026.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning welterweight champion. A southpaw out of Eagles MMA in Dagestan, he ranks number one pound-for-pound and brings a well-rounded statistical profile to the table, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent. Petr Yan slots in behind him at second, with Khamzat Chimaev third in the overall standings.
Alexander Volkov, who ranks fourth in this Russian poll, is the number-one heavyweight contender in the UFC at 37 years old. Known by the nickname Drago, the six-foot-seven Orthodox striker carries a 40-11 record and an output of 4.78 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the most active volume punchers in the division. He fights out of Strela Team.
Vadim Nemkov rounds out the top five. Notably absent from the verified fighter data but mentioned in the results, Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the rankings at 14th after stopping Umar Khan by knockout in their rematch. However, Malykhin will not appear in future editions following his retirement announcement.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's cross-divisional standing confirms his position as the face of Russian MMA at present
- Volkov's fourth-place finish underlines the heavyweight division's growing Russian presence
- Malykhin's farewell entry closes the chapter on one of the most decorated careers in recent Russian MMA history, with his ranking spot set to open for others moving forward
