The latest edition of the Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts, places Islam Makhachev at the top, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Anatoly Makhachev returns to the top 15 after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, though he will be excluded from future editions following his retirement announcement. Vadim Nemkov and Alexander Volkov are tied at fourth, while Arman Tsarukyan sits sixth and Magomed Ankalaev seventh.
A panel of 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts has released its latest Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings, with Islam Makhachev claiming the top position ahead of Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and currently competes at welterweight, where he holds the championship. Fighting out of Eagles MMA and throwing from a southpaw stance, the Dagestani finishes with a striking accuracy of 58 percent and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, underlining the grappling-heavy game that has defined his rise to the summit of the sport.
Alexander Volkov, nicknamed Drago, shares fourth place with Vadim Nemkov in the updated list. The 37-year-old heavyweight is ranked first in his division and holds a remarkable 40-11 record. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, Volkov generates the highest striking output among the Russians in the rankings, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Arman Tsarukyan sits sixth and Magomed Ankalaev seventh. Umar Nurmagomedov, though not individually ranked in the summary, is a relevant figure in the Eagles MMA stable: the 30-year-old bantamweight contender holds a 20-1 record and is ranked second in his division, averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes.
One notable storyline from the latest edition involves Anatoly Makhachev, who earned a return to the top 15 after finishing Umar Khan by knockout in a rematch. However, following his retirement announcement, he will be excluded from all future editions of the rankings.
Why it matters
- Islam Makhachev's placement at the top reflects his status as the dominant Russian fighter on the global stage
- The Nemkov-Volkov tie at fourth signals depth across multiple weight classes in Russian MMA
- Anatoly Makhachev's retirement removes a recently resurgent top-15 presence from future consideration
- The rankings span heavyweight through bantamweight, illustrating the breadth of Russia's current MMA talent pool
