The latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, compiled by 32 journalists and experts, place Islam Makhachev at the top, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Makhyshyn re-entered the top 15 at number 14 after knocking out Umar Khan in their rematch, though he has since announced his retirement and will not be eligible for future ballots.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, with Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev rounding out the top three. The monthly poll, compiled by 32 journalists and experts, was published on July 1, 2026.
Makhachev, 34, enters the ballot as the reigning welterweight champion with a 28-1 record, fighting out of Eagles MMA in Russia. The Dagestan native is a southpaw who stands five feet ten inches tall with a 70-inch reach. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, underlining the well-rounded threat that has made him the consensus best Russian fighter active today.
The rankings also spotlight the depth of Russian talent beyond the summit. Umar Nurmagomedov, 30, holds the number-two position in the bantamweight division and carries a 20-1 record with Eagles MMA. He averages an imposing 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 56 percent clip, establishing himself as one of the division's most dangerous competitors. Alexander "Drago" Volkov, at 37, remains a force in heavyweight as the division's top-ranked contender. The six-foot-seven orthodox striker carries a 40-11 record and an exceptional volume of 4.78 significant strikes landed per minute.
A notable story within the ballot is Anatoly Makhyshyn, who re-entered the top 15 at number 14 following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch. However, the ranking may be his last appearance on any future ballot after he subsequently announced his retirement, making him ineligible for upcoming polls.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's position at the top reflects his standing as both a divisional champion and the leading figure in Russian combat sports
- Makhyshyn's retirement removes a newly re-ranked fighter from future consideration, opening movement in the lower tiers of the rankings
- The poll highlights the continued strength of Eagles MMA, with multiple fighters represented across different weight classes
