Azamat Anzorovich Murzakanov Bio
Azamat Anzorovich Murzakanov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on April 12, 1989, he has established an undefeated record of 16 wins with no losses, demonstrating exceptional skill in knockouts and submissions. Murzakanov is recognized for his southpaw stance and his powerful fighting style that has earned him a reputation as “The Professional.”
Early Life and Background
Azamat Murzakanov was born in the village of Kyzburun III, now known as Dygulybgey, in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. After completing high school in 2006, he served in the internal troops and later worked with the SOBR unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. During this time, he met his future coach Khachim Mamkhegov, an honored trainer of Russia in hand-to-hand combat, who played a significant role in his development as a martial artist.
Under Mamkhegov’s mentorship, Murzakanov achieved multiple national and international titles, including being a multiple champion of Russia, a three-time world champion, and a gold medalist in European and Asian championships. He earned the title of Honored Master of Sports in hand-to-hand combat, reflecting his elite status in the discipline.
Path to MMA
Murzakanov began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2010, training at the Unity Sports Complex in Nalchik. His debut fight was a swift knockout victory, signaling his potential in the sport. After a brief hiatus due to work and studies, he returned to competition in 2015, quickly accumulating wins with his striking power and submission skills.
His early career included fights across various promotions, where he demonstrated dominance by finishing opponents quickly. His success in national leagues and international tournaments paved the way for his entry into the global MMA scene, culminating in his signing with the UFC.
Azamat Murzakanov Career
Early Career (2010–2017)
Azamat Murzakanov started his professional MMA journey in 2010, making an immediate impact with a 10-second knockout in his debut. Over the next several years, he fought in regional promotions, showcasing a high finishing rate with knockouts and submissions. In 2016, he secured three consecutive victories, including a notable knockout of André Muniz, ending Muniz’s eight-fight winning streak.
In 2017, Murzakanov competed in the Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), where he continued to impress with quick finishes. However, his career faced a setback when he was suspended for two years due to a doping violation involving boldenone metabolites, which delayed his UFC debut.
Brave Combat Federation and UFC Breakthrough (2019–Present)
After serving his suspension, Murzakanov returned to competition and participated in the Brave CF openweight tournament in 2019. He used his wrestling and striking skills to win the tournament, defeating Guto Inocente by unanimous decision in the semifinals and knocking out Mohammad Fakhreddine in the finals.
In 2021, Murzakanov earned a UFC contract by winning on Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round finish. He made his UFC debut in March 2022, knocking out Tafon Nchukwi with a flying knee, earning the Performance of the Night award. He continued his winning streak with technical knockout victories over Devin Clark and a unanimous decision win against Dustin Jacoby.
Despite some canceled bouts due to visa issues and medical clearances, Murzakanov remained a rising contender in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. In 2024, he secured another knockout win against Alonzo Menifield, earning a second Performance of the Night bonus. He is currently ranked seventh in the UFC light heavyweight rankings as of October 2025.
K-Dojo Warrior Tribe Era (Present)
Azamat Murzakanov currently trains with the K-Dojo Warrior Tribe team, based in Fairfield, New Jersey. His training environment has supported his development as a versatile and powerful fighter. Murzakanov’s recent performances have solidified his status as a top contender, with notable wins by technical knockout and knockout in the UFC.
Driving Style and Strengths
Murzakanov fights from a southpaw stance and is known for his aggressive striking and knockout power. He combines precise striking with effective wrestling and submission skills, making him a well-rounded competitor. His ability to finish fights early and adapt to opponents’ strategies is a key strength in his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Murzakanov’s career highlights are his undefeated professional record, multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, and winning the Brave CF openweight tournament. His first UFC win by flying knee knockout and his rapid rise in the light heavyweight rankings mark significant milestones.
Azamat Murzakanov Career Wins
Azamat Murzakanov holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 16 wins with no losses. His victories include 12 knockouts, 1 submission, and 3 decision wins, demonstrating his finishing ability and versatility in the cage.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Murzakanov has secured multiple impressive wins, including knockouts and technical knockouts against high-level opponents. His debut win against Tafon Nchukwi and subsequent victories over Devin Clark and Dustin Jacoby have established him as a formidable contender in the light heavyweight division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Murzakanov achieved success in various regional promotions and international tournaments. He won the Brave CF openweight tournament in 2019 and earned multiple national championships in hand-to-hand combat, reflecting his strong competitive background.
Azamat Murzakanov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Azamat Murzakanov’s family includes his younger brother Marat, who is a master of sports in hand-to-hand combat and serves in the border troops of the FSB of Russia. This athletic lineage highlights a family tradition of combat sports excellence.
Personal Life
Azamat Murzakanov is married to Zalina, a law graduate. The couple has two children, a daughter and a son. Murzakanov currently resides in Fairfield, New Jersey, USA, where he continues to train and compete at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Azamat Murzakanov continued to build momentum in the UFC light heavyweight division. After serving a suspension from November 2024 to May 2025, he returned to competition with a technical knockout victory over Brendson Ribeiro in June. He followed this with a first-round technical knockout win against Aleksandar Rakić in October, further solidifying his position among the top contenders.
Despite some canceled bouts due to health issues and opponent injuries, Murzakanov’s performances have demonstrated his resilience and skill. His partnership with the K-Dojo Warrior Tribe and his continued development suggest a promising outlook for his career moving forward.