Movlid Khaybulaev Bio
Movlid Khaybulaev is a Russian mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Born on October 16, 1990, he is a two-time PFL Featherweight Tournament champion, securing titles in 2021 and 2025. Khaybulaev has been a professional competitor since 2011 and has also fought in Fight Nights Global and ONE Championship.
Early Life and Background
Movlid Khaybulaev was born in the Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, a region known for producing talented combat athletes. He began his athletic career in freestyle wrestling before shifting his focus to combat sambo during his teenage years. At 16, Khaybulaev became the Southern Federal District wrestling champion and repeated this achievement at the Russian Championship a year later.
Alongside his athletic pursuits, Khaybulaev studied at the Law Academy under the Ministry of Justice of Russia in Makhachkala. In 2009, he won the combat sambo championship in the Southern Federal District, which paved the way for his transition into mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Khaybulaev’s early MMA career began in 2009 when he participated in the Dagestan Mixed Fight Championship, earning a significant victory that led to a meeting with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, a respected coach in the region. His professional debut was under the ProFC banner, where he defeated Rustam Akhmarov.
Following success in amateur and regional competitions, including a gold medal at the MMA World Championship in Antalya, Khaybulaev entered the Fight Nights league. There, he secured wins against notable opponents such as Ruslan Yamanbaev, Alexander Panasyuk, and Vugar Bakhshiev, establishing himself as a rising talent in Russian MMA.
Movlid Khaybulaev Career
Early Career (2011–2017)
Beginning his professional career in 2011, Khaybulaev quickly amassed an impressive undefeated record. By 2017, he had won 11 consecutive fights, demonstrating his skill and versatility. His early career included a notable victory over Paata Robakidze, which caught the attention of international promotions.
During this period, Khaybulaev fought primarily in Russia, developing his craft and gaining experience. His performances earned him opportunities to compete on larger stages, including a fight in ONE Championship where he defeated Herbert Burns by unanimous decision.
Professional Fighters League Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Khaybulaev made his PFL debut in May 2019 with a stunning flying knee knockout of Damon Jackson within the first 10 seconds. He continued to impress in the 2019 season, though a knockout loss to Daniel Pineda in the playoffs was later overturned to a no contest due to Pineda’s suspension for elevated testosterone levels.
After the 2020 PFL season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Khaybulaev competed at UAE Warriors 14, submitting Zaka Fatullazade in the first round. Returning to PFL in 2021, he secured key victories over Lazar Stojadinovic and 2019 featherweight champion Lance Palmer, earning a playoff spot.
In the 2021 PFL playoffs, Khaybulaev edged out top seed Brendan Loughnane by split decision to reach the finals. He then defeated Chris Wade by unanimous decision to claim the 2021 PFL Featherweight World Championship and a $1 million prize.
Fight Nights Team Era and Recent Success (2021–Present)
Following his championship win, Khaybulaev signed a long-term contract with Fight Nights Team and continued to compete at the highest level. He missed the 2022 PFL season due to injury but returned in 2023 with victories over Ryoji Kudo and Tyler Diamond, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
In 2025, Khaybulaev reentered the PFL Featherweight Tournament, winning fights against Jeremy Kennedy, Kim Tae-kyun, and Jesus Pinedo to secure his second PFL Featherweight title. His performances have solidified his status as one of the top featherweights in the sport.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Movlid Khaybulaev is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining effective striking with strong grappling and submission abilities. His wrestling and combat sambo background provide a solid base for controlling opponents, while his strategic approach allows him to adapt to different fight scenarios. His partnership with Fight Nights Team has enhanced his technical development and fight IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Khaybulaev’s rapid knockout of Damon Jackson in his PFL debut remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. Winning the PFL Featherweight Championship twice, in 2021 and 2025, marks significant milestones and highlights his consistency at the elite level. His undefeated professional record with 24 wins and no losses underscores his dominance in the featherweight division.
Movlid Khaybulaev Career Wins
Throughout his career, Movlid Khaybulaev has maintained an undefeated record with 24 wins in 26 professional fights, including six knockouts, four submissions, and 14 decision victories. His success spans multiple promotions, with notable achievements in the Professional Fighters League.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
Khaybulaev’s PFL career is distinguished by his two Featherweight Tournament championships in 2021 and 2025. His first PFL win was a spectacular flying knee knockout, setting the tone for his dominance. He has consistently performed well in regular seasons and playoffs, culminating in championship victories that earned him substantial prize money and recognition.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining PFL, Khaybulaev accumulated several victories in Fight Nights Global and ONE Championship, including a unanimous decision win over Herbert Burns. His early career also features a gold medal at the MMA World Championship in Antalya and multiple regional titles in wrestling and combat sambo.
Movlid Khaybulaev Family
Family Background and Training
Movlid Khaybulaev hails from Dagestan, a region renowned for producing elite combat athletes. He trains with former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and credits both Khabib and his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, for inspiring his MMA career. This mentorship has played a crucial role in his development as a fighter.
Personal Life
Khaybulaev resides in Moscow, Russia. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. His focus remains on his professional career and training within the Fight Nights Team.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Movlid Khaybulaev returned to the PFL Featherweight Tournament after a hiatus, demonstrating exceptional form. He won his quarterfinal bout against Jeremy Kennedy by split decision and followed with a unanimous decision victory over Kim Tae-kyun in the semifinals. In the finals, Khaybulaev secured the championship with a fifth-round submission over Jesus Pinedo, reaffirming his position as the division’s top competitor.
His 2025 campaign showcased his resilience, technical skill, and strategic fight management. Khaybulaev’s partnership with Fight Nights Team continues to support his success, and his performances have positioned him as a leading figure in featherweight MMA heading forward.