Gadzhimurad Antigulov


Gadzhimurad Antigulov is a Russian mixed martial artist of Avar heritage currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.A professional since 2009, he has also fought for M-1 Global and Absolute Championship Berkut, where he was a two-time light heavyweight champion.

Background

As wrestling is the national sport in Dagestan, Antigulov started training wrestling at the young age and transitioned to MMA when the sport was introduced to his country.
He splits his training into two sessions per day. He starts with a run and then focuses on striking skills and wrestling on the second part of the morning training. A second training session will follow later of the day after a rest during the early afternoon. He also train with American Top team for his fights.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Antigulov fought in the Russian circuit for 9 years, and he was the two times light heavyweight champion for Absolute Championship Berkut. He amassed a record of 18-4 prior joining UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Antigulov made his promotional debut on November 19, 2016 at against Marcos Rogério de Lima. He took his first UFC win via a guillotine choke on 67 seconds into round one. He earned the Performance of the Night bonus.
Antigulov was expected to face Ed Herman at UFC 209 on March 4, 2017. The bout was removed due to Herman citing injury.
On May 13, 2017, Antigulov faced Joachim Christensen at UFC 211. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Antigulov was scheduled to face Ion Cuțelaba on November 4, 2017 at UFC 217. However, Antigulov pulled out of the fight on September 26 citing an injury, and was replaced by newcomer Michał Oleksiejczuk.
Antigulov was expected to face Aleksandar Rakić on February 24, 2018 at UFC on Fox 28. However, it was reported on February 7, 2018 that Antigulov was pulled from the fight, citing injury, as a result, the bout was cancelled.
The bout with Ion Cuțelaba eventually took place on July 28, 2018 at UFC on Fox 30. Antigulov lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Antigulov was reported to face Sam Alvey on February 23, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 145. However, on January 25, 2019, it was reported that Alvey would face Jim Crute at UFC 234 instead.
Antigulov was briefly linked to a bout to face newcomer Roman Dolidze on April 20, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149. However, Dolidze was replaced just days later for undisclosed reasons by Michał Oleksiejczuk. Antigulov lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Antigulov was expected to face Ed Herman on November 9, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 21. However, on October 29, 2019 it was reported that he was pulled from the bout for undisclosed reason.
Antigulov was scheduled to face Devin Clark on February 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 167. However, Antigulov was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Dequan Townsend.
Antigulov was scheduled to face Klidson Abreu on June 13, 2020 at UFC Kazakhstan. However, the event for Kazakhstan was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Antigulov faced Paul Craig on July 26, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. He lost the fight via a triangle choke in round one.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts