Shamil Gamzatov


Shamil Radzhabovich Gamzatov is a Russian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist of Avar heritage, who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the World Series of Fighting and Absolute Championship Berkut. Also he competed in the Middleweight division of the Professional Fighters League. He is currently fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

He was born in Kizlyar city, Dagestan, Soviet Union into a devout Sunni muslim family of Avar origin from Tsurib village, Charodinsky District. He started to train in freestyle wrestling at 8 years of age, after an injured knee he retired. At 15 years of age he started to train in Amateur MMA under Zalimkhan Tatev. He won European and World MMA titles in amateur level. Also he is Dagestan national kickboxing champion, 3x grappling Abdu-Dabi tournament winner. Combat Sambo North Caucasian championships 3rd 2015 at 100 kg. At the World Grappling Championships he won the gold medal at 92 kilos.
Gamzatov said of his changing of sports as a kid, “ changed various sports and performed in them: combat sambo, grappling, amateur MMA. Then there was a transition to MMA and there was a debut and so began my career as a professional!”

Mixed martial arts career

World Series of Fighting

He made his debut in the USA on January 23, 2016 at, his opponent was Teddy Holder of Tennessee. He won the fight by TKO in the first round.

Absolute Championship Berkut

He faced Rodney Wallace on January 13, 2017 at. He won the back-and-forth fight by split decision.

Professional Fighters League

Gamzatov faced Eddie Gordon on July 5, 2018 at PFL 3. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
In his next bout, Gamzatov faced Rex Harris on 16 August 2018 at PFL 6. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Gamzatov signed a four-fight deal with the UFC in July.
Gamzatov made his promotional debut against Klidson Abreu on November 9, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 21. He won the fight via split decision.
Gamzatov was scheduled to face Ovince Saint Preux on April 25, 2020. However, Gamzatov was forced to pull from the event due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restriction The match was rescheduled on August 22, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 175.

Championships and accomplishments

[Grappling]