Islam Makhachev leads the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan ranks second, followed by Khamzat Chimaev in third, with Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov tied for fourth and fifth. Anatoly Makhylin re-entered the top 15 at 14th after his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, though he will be excluded from future rankings following his retirement announcement.
Islam Makhachev has claimed the top spot in the latest Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, which were compiled by a panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts and published on July 1, 2026.
Makhachev, 34, continues to be the standard-bearer for Russian MMA. The Eagles MMA southpaw holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning welterweight champion. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight.
Petr Yan ranks second in the poll, with Khamzat Chimaev slotting in third. Alexander Volkov, known as Drago, and Vadim Nemkov are tied for fourth and fifth respectively. Volkov, now 37 and competing at heavyweight, carries an impressive 40-11-0 record and ranks first in his division. At six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the Strela Team veteran lands a high volume of 4.78 significant strikes per minute.
Anatoly Makhylin re-entered the top 15 at 14th following a knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch. However, the panel noted he will be excluded from future rankings after announcing his retirement.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's top ranking cements his status as the face of Russian MMA heading into the second half of 2026.
- Volkov's placement in the top five reflects continued heavyweight relevance despite his divisional ranking sitting outside the pound-for-pound elite in most global polls.
- Chimaev's third-place position signals strong domestic recognition as he pushes toward title contention.
- Makhylin's exclusion following retirement will open movement in the lower half of the rankings next month.
