Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly ranking of the best Russian MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second and Khamzat Chimaev third, while Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov are tied fourth. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the rankings at 14th following his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though he has since announced his retirement from MMA and will not be eligible for the next edition of the list.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest monthly ranking of Russia's best active MMA fighters, a list compiled by a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and industry experts and published on July 1, 2026.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and currently competes at welterweight, where he holds the championship belt and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. A southpaw out of Eagles MMA, the 178-centimeter Dagestani is as dangerous on the mat as he is on the feet, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes while landing significant strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Petr Yan places second on the panel's list, with Khamzat Chimaev ranked third. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth position. Volkov, nicknamed Drago, is 37 years old and carries a 40-11 record in the heavyweight division, where he holds the number-one contender ranking. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the Strela Team veteran lands nearly five significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
A notable subplot surrounds Anatoly Makhachev, who re-entered the rankings at 14th after stopping Umar Khan by knockout in their rematch. However, he has since announced his retirement from MMA, making this ranking his final appearance on the list.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's dominant position reflects his simultaneous status as divisional champion and the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
- Volkov's tie for fourth underscores the continued depth of Russian talent across multiple weight classes, from bantamweight through heavyweight.
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement closes out his ranking eligibility on a winning note, leaving a vacancy that will reshape the lower half of future editions.
