Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly pound-for-pound rankings of the best Russian MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second and Khamzat Chimaev third, with Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov tied fourth. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at No. 14 following his knockout win over Umar Khan in their rematch, but will not appear in future editions after announcing his retirement from MMA.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, a monthly list compiled by a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second and Khamzat Chimaev third, while Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth place. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the top 15 at No. 14 following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though the heavyweight will not feature in future editions after announcing his retirement from MMA.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and currently competes at welterweight as champion. The Dagestan native fights out of Eagles MMA and brings an elite all-around game, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Volkov, known as "Drago," sits tied fourth on the list. The 37-year-old has compiled a 40-11 record across a lengthy career in the heavyweight division, where he holds the No. 1 contender ranking. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the Strela Team product is among the most active strikers on the list, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's position atop the Russian panel rankings reflects his status as one of the sport's most dominant active champions.
- Volkov's fourth-place standing highlights heavyweight's growing representation among Russia's elite.
- Malykhin's re-entry and immediate exit mark a bittersweet final chapter for the knockout artist, whose retirement removes a notable name from future editions of the list.
