Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of the best Russian MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second, followed by Khamzat Chimaev in third, with Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov tied for fourth and fifth. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the top 15 after knocking out Umar Khan in their rematch, but will not be eligible in future editions following his retirement announcement.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best active MMA fighters, released on July 1, 2026, following a vote compiled from 32 journalists, bloggers, and industry experts. Petr Yan ranked second, Khamzat Chimaev third, and Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov shared the fourth and fifth positions. Anatoly Makhachev returned to the top 15 on the strength of a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though a subsequent retirement announcement means he will be ineligible for future editions.
Islam Makhachev, 34, represents the clear consensus choice at the summit. Fighting out of Eagles MMA in Russia, the southpaw holds a 28-1-0 professional record and currently serves as a champion, also ranking as the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the database. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he averages 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — figures that underscore the all-around grappling threat that has defined his career.
Alexander Volkov, nicknamed Drago, slots into the fourth-to-fifth tier alongside Nemkov. The 37-year-old heavyweight carries a 40-11-0 record and is the top-ranked fighter in his division. At six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, he generates the heaviest striking output among the ranked Russians in this list, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's unanimous selection reinforces his standing as not only Russia's best but one of the sport's dominant champions heading into the second half of 2026.
- Volkov's top-five inclusion reflects continued heavyweight relevance at age 37, with divisional ranking to match.
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement removes a newly resurgent contender from future consideration, thinning the mid-tier of the Russian rankings.
- The panel's breadth — 32 voters across media and blogging — lends the list wider credibility than a single-outlet poll.
