Valentin Igorevich Moldavsky Bio
Valentin Igorevich Moldavsky is a Russian mixed martial artist and combat sambo practitioner born on February 6, 1992. He currently competes in the heavyweight division for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and previously held the interim Heavyweight World Championship title in Bellator MMA. Moldavsky is also a distinguished sambo athlete, being a two-time world and one-time European champion in the +100 kg category.
Early Life and Background
Moldavsky was born in the village of Novopskov in the Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine. He pursued higher education at the Luhansk State University of Internal Affairs, where he also worked as a platoon leader. His early life in Novopskov laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to martial arts and combat sports.
Path to MMA
After an undefeated amateur career, Moldavsky transitioned to professional mixed martial arts in 2014. He quickly gained attention for his grappling skills, honed through his combat sambo background. Early in his career, he joined FedorTeam under the mentorship of legendary fighter Fedor Emelianenko, which significantly shaped his development as a heavyweight contender.
Valentin Moldavsky Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Moldavsky’s professional debut came in 2015 with a submission victory over Karen Karapetyan. His early career was marked by steady progress in regional promotions, showcasing his submission and ground control abilities. During this period, he also competed in the Rizin Fighting Federation’s Openweight Grand Prix, advancing to the quarter-finals before suffering his first professional loss.
Bellator MMA Breakthrough (2017–2023)
Moldavsky debuted in Bellator MMA in July 2017, defeating Carl Seumanutafa by unanimous decision. He quickly established himself as a formidable heavyweight with a first-round knockout of Ernest James in 2018. Over the next few years, Moldavsky secured notable wins against Linton Vassell, Javy Ayala, and Roy Nelson, demonstrating his tactical wrestling and endurance.
In June 2021, Moldavsky won the Bellator Interim Heavyweight World Championship by defeating Timothy Johnson via unanimous decision. He later faced Ryan Bader in January 2022 to unify the heavyweight titles but lost by unanimous decision in a closely contested bout. Moldavsky continued competing in Bellator, including a no contest against Steve Mowry due to an accidental eye poke, a knockout loss in a rematch with Linton Vassell, and a unanimous decision win over Mowry in their subsequent fight.
Professional Fighters League Era (2024–Present)
Moldavsky joined the PFL in 2024, debuting with a technical knockout victory over Ante Delija. He faced Linton Vassell again in June 2024 but lost via split decision. Scheduled to compete in the 2024 PFL Heavyweight tournament semifinals, Moldavsky withdrew for undisclosed reasons. He is confirmed to participate in the 2025 PFL Heavyweight Tournament, where he won his quarterfinal bout against Sergey Bilostenniy by unanimous decision. His semifinal match against Alexander Romanov ended in a no contest due to an accidental groin strike.
Driving Style and Strengths
Moldavsky’s fighting style is heavily influenced by his combat sambo background, emphasizing grappling, submissions, and ground control. His reach and height advantage complement his tactical approach, allowing him to control opponents effectively. His partnership with FedorTeam has been instrumental in refining his skills and fight strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Moldavsky’s career include winning the Bellator Interim Heavyweight World Championship and multiple world sambo titles. His bouts against top-tier heavyweights like Ryan Bader and Linton Vassell have been defining moments, showcasing his resilience and technical prowess.
Valentin Moldavsky Career Wins
Valentin Moldavsky has accumulated 14 professional wins out of 20 fights, with victories achieved through a mix of decisions, submissions, and knockouts. His record reflects his versatility and effectiveness across different fight scenarios.
Bellator MMA Highlights
During his tenure in Bellator MMA, Moldavsky secured several notable wins, including his interim heavyweight title victory over Timothy Johnson. His first Bellator win was a unanimous decision against Carl Seumanutafa, and his most recent significant win was a unanimous decision over Steve Mowry in 2023. Moldavsky’s Bellator career includes multiple fights that tested his endurance and skill against elite heavyweights.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside Bellator, Moldavsky has excelled in sambo competitions, winning the European Sambo Championships in 2018 and the World Sambo Championships in 2018 and 2020 in the +100 kg division. His sambo achievements underscore his grappling expertise and competitive pedigree.
Valentin Moldavsky Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Moldavsky’s family background remain private, with no public information available regarding his parents or relatives involved in combat sports.
Personal Life
Moldavsky maintains a private personal life with no publicly disclosed information regarding marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Moldavsky is actively competing in the PFL Heavyweight Tournament. He began the season with a unanimous decision win over Sergey Bilostenniy in the quarterfinals. His semifinal bout against Alexander Romanov ended prematurely due to an accidental foul, resulting in a no contest. Moldavsky’s focus remains on advancing in the tournament and securing the heavyweight championship. His continued collaboration with FedorTeam provides strategic support as he navigates the competitive PFL landscape.