The latest monthly Russian MMA rankings, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, place Islam Makhachev at the top with 512 points, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the top 15 after his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though he will be removed from future rankings following his retirement announcement. The full top 15 also includes Alexander Volkov, Vadim Nemkov, Arman Tsarukyan, Magomed Ankalaev, Movsar Evloev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Umar Nurmagomedov, among others.
A panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts has released its latest monthly Russian MMA rankings, with UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev claiming the top spot on 512 points, ahead of Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and holds champion status at welterweight. The Dagestan-born southpaw trains out of Eagles MMA and brings elite grappling to the cage, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking output of 2.63 significant strikes landed per minute comes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, among the highest in the sport.
Elsewhere in the top 15, Alexander Volkov holds the fourth spot. The 37-year-old heavyweight, nicknamed Drago, stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and owns a 40-11-0 professional record. Fighting out of Strela Team, Volkov generates an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, making him one of the more active volume strikers in the division where he currently sits ranked number one.
Umar Nurmagomedov also features in the rankings. The 30-year-old bantamweight prospect, also of Eagles MMA, holds a 20-1-0 record and is ranked second in his division. He averages 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that underlines his grappling-heavy approach, while landing 3.86 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy.
A notable story within the rankings involves Anatoly Makhachev, who re-entered the top 15 after stopping Umar Khan by knockout in their rematch. However, he will not appear in future editions following a retirement announcement.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's top ranking reflects his status as the consensus best active Russian fighter across all promotions
- Alexander Volkov's high placement keeps heavyweight representation strong in a list otherwise dominated by lighter divisions
- Anatoly Makhachev's re-entry and immediate exit marks the end of a notable career within the Russian MMA scene
