Best Russian MMA Fighters Ever
Russia is known for producing some of the best fighters in the world as well as being home to the dominant combat sport of Sambo. Various Russian fighters have won titles and dominated the sport of MMA.
Here is a list of some of the best Russian MMA fighters ever. Check out the short list below and be sure to visit Strafe for all your esports news.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
No question, out of all of the best Russian MMA fighters ever, the person on top is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Not only is he the best Russian fighter of all time, but he’s arguably the greatest MMA fighter ever.
If you could describe Khabib’s MMA career in one word, it would be domination. Throughout his entire MMA career, Nurmagomedov took out everyone that was placed in front of him.
Not only did Khabib win, but he punished his opponents, who are considered among the best fighters ever. You can count on maybe two hands the amount of times he was in danger or injured in his fighting career.
Nobody “smeshed” like Khabib did and he’s an obvious choice for the best Russian MMA fighters ever list.
Fedor Emilianenko
A must add to any list of the best Russian MMA fighters ever list is the legend Fedor Emilianenko. Before Khabib, Fedor was not only considered the best Russian fighter, but the best in the world.
His time in Pride captivated the world as he crushed numerous legendary opponents. Fedor was a well-rounded fighter, who could destroy his opponents on the feet and the ground.
Some fans dispute Fedor’s legacy for never entering the UFC, Emilianenko had an incredible fighting career. The Last Emperor is truly a legend of the sport, who put on some of the best performances in MMA history.
Islam Makhachev
Taking the throne of the UFC lightweight division from Khabib is his teammate Islam Makhachev. Islam is a former sambo world champion, who is the current UFC lightweight champ.
Like Khabib, Islam has dominated and smashed nearly everyone put in front of him. Makhachev uses the patented Dagestani “smesh style”, while also creating a powerful striking game.
He has manhandled almost all of his opponents with ease and is looking almost unbeatable. Islam is on a mission of his own and wants to establish himself as one of the best fighters ever.
It’s going to take a special fighter to beat Islam, who is easily one of the best Russian MMA fighters ever.
Petr Yan
The last fighter we’ll spotlight on the best Russian MMA fighters ever list is former bantamweight champ Petr Yan. Petr is one of the best strikers in the division, who made history by becoming the first Russian bantamweight champion.
Yan was dominant through his run to win the UFC bantamweight title. He beat everyone from Jimmie Rivera, Urijah Faber, and legend Jose Aldo to win the vacant title.
During his first meeting with Aljamain Sterling, Yan was dominating the fight until he hit an illegal knee. Unfortunately since losing the title, Petr has been on a losing skid, but is looking to bounce back.
Russian fans would love to see the former champion get back into title contention
