Mukhamed Berkhamov Bio
Mukhamed Berkhamov is a Russian mixed martial artist born on January 27, 1994, in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria. Competing in the welterweight division, he has fought in major promotions including Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), where he held the welterweight title. Known for his grappling skills and combat sambo background, Berkhamov has maintained a professional MMA career since 2013.
Early Life and Background
Mukhamed Berkhamov was born in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, and is of Kabardian ethnicity, part of the Circassian nation. He completed his secondary education at School No. 4 in Baksan and pursued higher education at the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University. During his academic years, Berkhamov developed his martial arts skills, training in combat sambo, hand-to-hand combat, boxing, and Russian catch wrestling.
His early achievements include becoming a national champion in Russian catch wrestling, a republican champion in hand-to-hand combat, and winning several boxing tournaments. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his future success in mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Berkhamov began his amateur MMA career in 2011, quickly gaining recognition by winning the FCF Absolute Cup Welterweight Tournament in Nalchik. He competed in various regional tournaments, earning medals in the North Caucasus MMA Championship and Russian Amateur MMA Championship. His amateur success demonstrated his potential and prepared him for the professional ranks.
Transitioning to professional MMA in 2013, Berkhamov fought in multiple regional promotions, steadily building his record and reputation. His background in combat sambo and wrestling helped him adapt quickly to the demands of professional competition.
Mukhamed Berkhamov Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Berkhamov made his professional MMA debut on January 19, 2013, at the Oplot Challenge 28 tournament, winning by unanimous decision. Throughout 2013, he participated in several tournaments, securing victories by submission and decision. Notably, he defeated Tofiq Musayev, a future RIZIN Lightweight Grand Prix Champion, by first-round submission.
In 2015, Berkhamov competed in major Russian promotions such as ACB and Tech-Krep FC. He won the 2015 Tech-Krep FC Welterweight Grand Prix and maintained a five-fight winning streak, finishing most opponents by submission. These performances established him as a rising prospect in the welterweight division.
Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Berkhamov debuted in ACB with a submission win over Ronny Alexander Landaeta Utrera. He earned his first knockout victory in May 2016 against Stanislav Vlasenko, which earned him the ACA Performance of the Night award. Later that year, he defeated Jesse Taylor by first-round armbar, securing another performance bonus.
In 2017, Berkhamov headlined ACB 55 against undefeated Sharaf Davlatmurodov, winning by second-round submission and earning a third Performance of the Night award. His consistent finishes and dominant grappling led to a title shot against Brett Cooper in August 2017, where Berkhamov won by knockout to become the youngest active ACB Welterweight Champion.
Injuries in 2018 forced Berkhamov to vacate his title after multiple setbacks, including a torn knee ligament. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the division due to his technical skills and competitive spirit.
Bellator MMA and Professional Fighters League (2021–Present)
Berkhamov signed with Bellator MMA and made his official debut in October 2021, submitting Jaleel Willis in the first round. He faced Lorenz Larkin twice; the first bout ended in a no contest due to an accidental foul, while the rematch resulted in Berkhamov’s first professional knockout loss.
In October 2023, Berkhamov returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision victory over Herman Terrado at Bellator 300. In 2024, he transitioned to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he defeated two-time PFL Welterweight Champion Ray Cooper III by split decision. However, subsequent losses to Thad Jean and Kendly St. Louis in 2025 affected his tournament standing.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Mukhamed Berkhamov fights out of a southpaw stance and is known for his grappling prowess, stemming from his combat sambo and catch wrestling background. His strengths include submission skills, strategic ground control, and effective striking, particularly knockout power. He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Berkhamov’s career highlights include becoming the youngest ACB Welterweight Champion and earning three ACA Performance of the Night awards. His victories over notable opponents such as Jesse Taylor and Sharaf Davlatmurodov stand out, as well as his successful debut in PFL against Ray Cooper III.
Mukhamed Berkhamov Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Mukhamed Berkhamov has amassed a record of 16 wins and 5 losses. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.
Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) Highlights
Berkhamov recorded six wins in ACB/ACA, with five finishes. His first knockout win came against Stanislav Vlasenko, and he claimed the welterweight title by knocking out Brett Cooper. His last ACB victory was a unanimous decision over Ciro Rodrigues in 2019 before moving to international promotions.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his ACB success, Berkhamov won the 2015 Tech-Krep FC Welterweight Grand Prix and earned medals in various amateur MMA and grappling tournaments. His early career featured notable submission victories and a strong finish rate.
Mukhamed Berkhamov Family
Family Background and Ethnicity
Mukhamed Berkhamov is of Kabardian ethnicity, part of the Circassian people native to the North Caucasus region. This heritage is reflected in his nickname “Cherkes,” meaning Circassian in Russian, which he adopted to honor his origins.
Personal Life
Berkhamov resides in both Nalchik, Russia, and Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA. He holds master of sport titles in combat sambo and army hand-to-hand combat. Known for his ginger hair, he was formerly nicknamed “The Red Devil.” Berkhamov is respected for his dedication to training and his role as a sparring partner for top fighters.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Mukhamed Berkhamov competed in the Professional Fighters League Welterweight Tournament. After a strong start with a win over Ray Cooper III in 2024, Berkhamov faced setbacks with knockout losses to Thad Jean and submission defeat by Kendly St. Louis. These results impacted his tournament progression. Throughout the season, Berkhamov continued to demonstrate his grappling and striking skills, training with the Kill Cliff FC team alongside elite fighters. His focus remains on recovery and refining his technique for future competition.