Tagir Radzhabovich Ulanbekov Bio
Tagir Radzhabovich Ulanbekov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former Fight Nights Global Flyweight Champion and a one-time world champion in combat sambo. As of November 25, 2025, Ulanbekov is ranked #12 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Tagir Ulanbekov was born on July 8, 1991, in the village of Dylym, located in the Kazbekovsky District of the Republic of Dagestan. He comes from an Avar family and began wrestling as a child after his uncle introduced him to a wrestling section named after Saypulla Absaidov. At age eight, he moved to Makhachkala, Dagestan, where he joined Eagles MMA and trained under coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov alongside notable fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. During his youth, Ulanbekov also worked in the bazaar to help his mother.
Path to MMA
Ulanbekov transitioned from wrestling and combat sambo into mixed martial arts, beginning his professional career in 2013. He quickly made a name for himself in regional promotions, capturing the Fight Nights Global Flyweight title and later the Gorilla Fighting Championship Flyweight Championship. His strong sambo background and early success paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he continues to compete in the flyweight division.
Tagir Ulanbekov Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Tagir Ulanbekov started his professional MMA career in 2013, securing his first victory against Magomednur Aglarov at the Liga Kavkaz – Grand Umakhan Battle tournament. He went on to win seven consecutive bouts and claimed the Fight Nights Global Flyweight title by submitting Artan Asatryan with a guillotine choke in the fourth round. His first professional loss came against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at Fight Nights Global 88 by majority decision. Ulanbekov then competed in Gorilla Fighting Championship, where he remained undefeated and won the GF Flyweight Championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Ulanbekov made his UFC debut in 2020, winning his first fight against Bruno Gustavo da Silva by unanimous decision. He faced several scheduling changes and withdrawals due to undisclosed reasons and illness but secured notable victories over Allan Nascimento and Nate Maness, the latter via first-round guillotine choke submission. Despite a unanimous decision loss to Tim Elliott in 2022, Ulanbekov continued to build momentum with wins over Cody Durden and Clayton Carpenter. In 2025, he faced Azat Maksum and won by unanimous decision but later lost to Kyoji Horiguchi by rear-naked choke submission in the third round at UFC Fight Night 265.
Current Team Era (American Kickboxing Academy, Eagles MMA SC Bazarganova) (Present)
Tagir Ulanbekov trains with American Kickboxing Academy and Eagles MMA SC Bazarganova in Makhachkala, Dagestan. His training environment includes some of the top fighters and coaches in the sport, contributing to his technical development and competitive edge. Ulanbekov’s current form shows a blend of striking and grappling skills, with notable submission victories and strategic fight management.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Ulanbekov employs a sambo-based fighting style, leveraging his grappling expertise and submission skills. His strengths include effective ground control, submission setups, and a tactical approach to pacing fights. His training under elite coaches and alongside high-level teammates has enhanced his versatility and adaptability inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Ulanbekov’s career include winning the Fight Nights Global Flyweight Championship, capturing the Gorilla Fighting Championship Flyweight title, and earning a top-15 UFC flyweight ranking. His submission victories and competitive bouts against top contenders highlight his rising profile in the division.
Tagir Ulanbekov Career Wins
Tagir Ulanbekov has amassed 17 wins in his professional MMA career out of 20 total fights, with 3 losses. His victories include 1 by knockout, 14 by submission or decision, showcasing his grappling prowess and fight IQ.
Fight Nights Global Highlights
Ulanbekov won the Fight Nights Global Flyweight Championship by submitting Artan Asatryan with a guillotine choke in the fourth round. This title win marked a significant step in his career, establishing him as a top flyweight competitor in regional MMA before moving to the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Ulanbekov has secured multiple wins, including a unanimous decision over Bruno Gustavo da Silva and a first-round submission against Nate Maness. His recent victories demonstrate his continued growth and ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Tagir Ulanbekov Family
Family Background and Lineage
Tagir Ulanbekov was born into an Avar family in Dagestan, a region known for producing skilled wrestlers and fighters. His early exposure to wrestling through family influence and community programs laid the foundation for his combat sports career.
Personal Life
Details about Ulanbekov’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He resides in Makhachkala, Dagestan, where he continues his training and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tagir Ulanbekov remained active in the UFC flyweight division, securing a unanimous decision win over Azat Maksum. He was scheduled to face Kyoji Horiguchi twice; the first bout was canceled, but the rematch took place at UFC Fight Night 265, where Ulanbekov lost via rear-naked choke submission in the third round. Throughout the season, he demonstrated resilience and technical skill, maintaining a competitive presence in the division. His training with American Kickboxing Academy and Eagles MMA SC Bazarganova continues to support his development as he aims to climb the flyweight rankings.