Anatoly Malykhin re-enters the top 15 of the monthly Russian MMA rankings after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch. Following the victory, Malykhin announced his retirement from MMA, meaning he will be ineligible for future editions of the poll. Islam Makhachev leads the rankings, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. The rankings are compiled monthly by 32 MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts.
Anatoly Malykhin has made a brief return to the monthly Russian MMA top 15 rankings before immediately becoming ineligible for future editions, after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch and then announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts.
The rankings, compiled each month by a panel of 32 MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts, placed Malykhin back inside the top 15 on the strength of the knockout victory. His retirement, however, means the placement is effectively his last, as retired fighters are excluded from subsequent polls.
Topping the current edition of the rankings is Islam Makhachev, the welterweight champion who carries a record of 28 wins and one loss. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw, who trains with Eagles MMA, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev follow him in second and third place respectively.
Why it matters
- Malykhin's re-entry and immediate exit underlines how retirement decisions can create instant gaps in domestic ranking ecosystems.
- Makhachev's position at the summit of Russian MMA rankings reflects his status as one of the sport's most dominant active fighters.
- The monthly panel format means the rankings shift quickly, and Malykhin's vacancy opens space for other Russian fighters to climb.
