Asu Abaiuly Almabayev Bio
Asu Abaiuly Almabayev is a Kazakh professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since beginning his professional career in 2013, Almabayev has established himself as a formidable competitor, including a tenure as the Interim M-1 Global Flyweight Champion. He is known for his strong grappling skills and submission victories.
Early Life and Background
Almabayev was born on January 25, 1994, in the village of Janatalap, located in the Sarysu District of Kazakhstan’s Jambyl Region. Raised by his grandparents until the age of ten, he began training in wrestling at five years old. His family later moved to Almaty, where he expanded his combat sports training to include karate, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
While living in Almaty, Almabayev worked at a market where his parents operated a small shop, continuing this work until he was 23. He achieved championship titles in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at both the Kazakhstan and Asian levels before deciding to focus on mixed martial arts after being inspired by watching the sport on television during his college years.
Path to MMA
Almabayev transitioned from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to mixed martial arts in 2013, making his professional debut that year. His early career involved competing in various regional promotions, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His background in multiple martial arts disciplines provided a strong foundation for his MMA career.
He steadily progressed through the ranks, gaining recognition in promotions such as Alash Pride FC, Fight Nights Global, and M-1 Global. His success in these organizations paved the way for his entry into the UFC, the premier global MMA promotion.
Asu Abaiuly Almabayev Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Almabayev made his professional MMA debut on June 1, 2013, securing a unanimous decision victory over Vadim Buseev. After a three-year hiatus, he returned in 2016 and quickly amassed three wins across Alash Pride FC, Tech-Krep FC, and Fight Nights Global. Despite suffering two defeats in 2017, he demonstrated resilience by winning thirteen consecutive fights across multiple organizations.
M-1 Global Breakthrough (2019)
Almabayev’s notable breakthrough came on October 19, 2019, when he faced Chris Kelades at M-1 Challenge 105 for the Interim M-1 Global Flyweight Championship. He won the bout by unanimous decision, earning the interim title and solidifying his status as a top contender in the flyweight division.
Brave Combat Federation Era (2021–2022)
In August 2021, Almabayev debuted in Brave Combat Federation, defeating Aleksander Doskalchuk via rear-naked choke submission. He continued his winning streak with victories over Imram Magaramov, Zach Makovsky, and Kenneth Maningat, showcasing his grappling prowess and tactical versatility.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2023–Present)
Almabayev made his UFC debut on August 5, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 50, submitting Ode’ Osbourne with a rear-naked choke in the second round. This performance earned him the Performance of the Night award. He continued his success with unanimous decision wins over C.J. Vergara, Jose Johnson, and Matheus Nicolau in 2024.
In 2025, Almabayev faced a setback with a technical knockout loss to Manel Kape at UFC Fight Night 253. However, he rebounded by defeating Jose Ochoa and former title challenger Alex Perez, the latter by guillotine choke submission, demonstrating his resilience and skill at the highest level.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Almabayev fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his exceptional grappling and submission skills, accounting for the majority of his victories. His background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling allows him to control opponents on the ground effectively. He combines technical striking with strategic ground work, making him a well-rounded flyweight competitor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Almabayev’s career include winning the Interim M-1 Global Flyweight Championship and earning the Performance of the Night award in his UFC debut. His thirteen-fight winning streak across various promotions highlights his consistency and skill development over the years.
Asu Abaiuly Almabayev Career Wins
Throughout his career, Almabayev has accumulated a total of 23 wins out of 26 professional fights. His victories include 10 by submission, 2 by knockout, and 1 by decision, reflecting his proficiency in finishing fights, particularly on the ground.
M-1 Global Highlights
Almabayev’s tenure in M-1 Global was marked by his capture of the Interim Flyweight Championship in 2019. This title win was a defining moment, showcasing his ability to compete and succeed at an international level.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his M-1 Global success, Almabayev has notable victories in Brave Combat Federation and Fight Nights Global, where he demonstrated his submission skills and tactical acumen against high-level opponents.
Asu Abaiuly Almabayev Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Almabayev’s family background are limited, though it is known he was raised by his grandparents during his early years. There is no public information indicating a family history in combat sports or MMA.
Personal Life
Almabayev resides in Almaty, Kazakhstan. There is no publicly available information regarding his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Almabayev continued to compete actively in the UFC flyweight division. Despite a loss to Manel Kape via technical knockout, he demonstrated resilience by securing unanimous decision victories over Jose Ochoa and a submission win against former title challenger Alex Perez. These performances have kept him ranked among the top flyweights, reflecting his ongoing development and competitiveness within the division.