Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Makhachev re-enters the top 15 at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, but the ranking will be his last appearance after he announced his retirement from MMA following the bout. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth and fifth, while Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, and Movsar Evloev round out the top eight.
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 combat sports experts, with results published on July 1, 2026.
Makhachev, 34, enters the welterweight division as a champion carrying a 28-1-0 record and representing the Eagles MMA team out of Russia. The southpaw is one of the sport's most complete fighters, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent, which ranks among the best in the game. He is followed in the rankings by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev in second and third respectively.
Alexander Volkov, fighting out of Strela Team, shares fourth place alongside Vadim Nemkov. Known by his nickname Drago, the 37-year-old heavyweight holds a 40-11-0 career record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach. He produces an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute, underlining his output as one of Russia's most active strikers at the top level. Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, and Movsar Evloev complete the top eight.
The most notable storyline from this edition is the re-entry and simultaneous farewell of Anatoly Makhachev. He climbs back into the top 15 at number 14 following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, but the ranking will mark his final appearance on the list after he announced his retirement from MMA in the wake of that bout.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's top ranking cements his status as Russia's premier active fighter across all weight classes
- Volkov's fourth-place finish highlights the heavyweight division's continued strength within the Russian scene
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement closes the chapter on a career that ended with a definitive knockout win
