Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of the best Russian MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, with 512 points. Petr Yan sits second at 473 points, followed by Khamzat Chimaev in third at 383. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the top 15 at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, though he will not be eligible for future editions of the poll following his retirement announcement.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best active MMA fighters, a poll conducted by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, with results published on July 1, 2026. Makhachev accumulated 512 points, with Petr Yan second on 473 and Khamzat Chimaev third on 383. Meanwhile, Anatoly Makhachev made a dramatic re-entry at number 14 following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though his retirement announcement means this edition will be his last appearance on the list.
Islam Makhachev, 34, has established himself as the dominant force in Russian combat sports. The southpaw from Dagestan competes in the welterweight division, holds champion status, and carries a record of 28-1-0 while training out of Eagles MMA. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and adds 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him dangerous across all phases of a fight.
The verified fighter data supplied does not include Petr Yan, Khamzat Chimaev, or Anatoly Makhachev, so their specific career statistics are not detailed here. Three Russian fighters whose numbers are on record — Makhachev, heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, and bantamweight standout Umar Nurmagomedov — all represent the depth of talent driving Russian MMA's global profile. Volkov, 37, holds a 40-11-0 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, landing nearly 4.78 significant strikes per minute. Nurmagomedov, 30, is 20-1-0 and ranked second at bantamweight, averaging an impressive 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's poll lead reflects his continued pound-for-pound standing as champion and the consensus choice atop Russian MMA
- Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev's placements signal their sustained relevance in their respective UFC divisions
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement removes a ranked fighter from future editions, opening movement in the lower half of the list
- The poll, drawn from 32 media voices, serves as a broad industry barometer rather than an official organizational ranking
