Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best active MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second, followed by Khamzat Chimaev third, with Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov tied fourth. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the rankings at 14th after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, but will not appear in future editions following his retirement from MMA.
A panel of 32 Russian MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts has released its latest monthly ranking of the country's best active fighters, with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev holding the top spot. The list also marks the final appearance of Anatoly Makhachev, who has announced his retirement from MMA after re-entering the rankings at 14th following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in a rematch.
Islam Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and competes out of Eagles MMA. Now ranked pound-for-pound number one, the southpaw from Dagestan has moved up to welterweight and holds championship gold in the division. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and adds 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a threat across all phases of a fight.
Petr Yan sits second on the Russian list, with Khamzat Chimaev third. Alexander Volkov, known as Drago, shares fourth place alongside Vadim Nemkov. Volkov, 37, fights out of Strela Team and holds a 40-11-0 record in the heavyweight division, where he is currently ranked first. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the orthodox striker produces 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Anatoly Makhachev's knockout win over Khan earned him a return to the rankings, but his retirement means he will be removed from future editions of the list.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's unanimous placement at the summit cements his status as Russia's premier active MMA fighter across all divisions
- Volkov's shared fourth-place finish reflects continued heavyweight relevance for a fighter with one of the sport's longer high-level careers
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement closes a chapter for the rankings panel, which will redistribute that slot in next month's edition
