Shamil Abdurakhimov


Shamil Gentovich Abdurakhimov is a Russian mixed martial artist of Avar heritage, who is currently fighting in the heavyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of June 2, he is #12 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.

Background

Abdurakhimov was born September 2, 1981 in Kuyada village, Gunibsky District, Dagestan in the Sunni Muslim family of Avar descent. He started train Sanshou and Freestyle wrestling in primary school. After the army he became Sanshou Russian national champion.

Mixed martial arts career

Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship

On May 14, 2010 at the ADFC: Battle of the Champions he faced Jeff Monson and won via majority decision.
Abdurakhimov faced Sokoudjou on October 22, 2010 at the ADFC: Round 2. He won via TKO in the third round.
In last fight in ADFC: Round 3 Abdurakhimov faced Marcos Oliveira he won via TKO in the first round. The win also earned him ADFC belt and one million dirham.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On January 15, 2015 he signed a contract with the UFC.
In his debut, Abdurakhimov faced Timothy Johnson on April 4, 2015 at He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Abdurakhimov faced Anthony Hamilton on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Abdurakhimov next faced Walt Harris on October 1, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 96. He won the fight via split decision.
Abdurakhimov faced Derrick Lewis on December 9, 2016 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 102. After winning the first three rounds, he lost the fight by TKO in the fourth round.
Abdurakhimov faced Chase Sherman on 25 November, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 122. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Abdurakhimov faced Andrei Arlovski on September 15, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 136. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Abdurakhimov faced Marcin Tybura on April 20, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Abdurakhimov faced Curtis Blaydes on September 7, 2019 at UFC 242. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
Abdurakhimov was scheduled to face Ciryl Gane on April 18, 2020 at UFC 249. However, on March 5, 2020 it was announced that Gane was forced to pull out from the event due to struck by pneumothorax during one of his trainings. The bout was eventually rescheduled for July 11, 2020 at UFC 251. Subsequently, the pairing was cancelled a second time and scrapped from this event in mid-June as Abdurikhimov was removed from the bout for undisclosed reasons. The pair was rescheduled on September 19th at UFC 253.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed Martial Artist