The latest monthly ranking of Russia's top 15 active MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists and experts, places Islam Makhachev first, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Malykhin re-entered the list at 14th after knocking out Umar Khan in their rematch, though he will be ineligible for future editions following his retirement announcement. Vadim Nemkov and Alexander Volkov are tied fourth, with Arman Tsarukyan sixth and Magomed Ankalaev seventh.
A panel of 32 journalists and MMA experts has released its latest monthly ranking of Russia's top 15 active mixed martial artists, with Islam Makhachev holding firm at the summit and Anatoly Malykhin making a notable return to the list.
Makhachev, 34, tops the standings as the reigning welterweight champion competing out of Eagles MMA. The Dagestani southpaw carries a 28-1 record and has built his reputation on a suffocating grappling-heavy style, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes while also posting a striking accuracy rate of 58 percent. Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev follow him in second and third, with Vadim Nemkov and Alexander Volkov tied in fourth place.
Volkov, known as "Drago," brings a 40-11 record into his shared fourth-place position. The 37-year-old heavyweight from Strela Team stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, and his output reflects his physical dominance — he lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Arman Tsarukyan slots in sixth and Magomed Ankalaev seventh, rounding out a competitive top ten. Malykhin re-entered the rankings at 14th on the strength of a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch. However, the panel confirmed he will be excluded from future editions following his retirement announcement.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's top ranking cements his status as Russia's premier active fighter across all promotions
- Volkov's fourth-place finish underscores his continued relevance at heavyweight despite a congested division
- Malykhin's farewell ranking entry closes the chapter on one of Russian MMA's most decorated recent champions
- The panel's broad voting base of 32 experts lends the list wider credibility than single-outlet rankings
