The BEST Muslim UFC and MMA Fighters Ever!
The world of UFC and the sport of MMA is a mixed blend of differing fighting styles and forms. With a mix of Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, judo, and other karate and grappling styles, both the UFC organization and the MMA sport attract a wide swath of fighters from different backgrounds and cultures.
However, and perhaps unsurprisingly to many, Muslims and those who follow the teachings of Islam make up a number of high-profile athletes. Famed for their fighting styles and techniques, these fighters have made a name for themselves while maintaining their Islamic identity.
Below, we are going to look at and discuss the best Muslim UFC and MMA fighters ever. These Muslim fighters have taken their skills to the next level and compete on some of the highest stages and most sought-after fights. So, if you’ve ever wondered if there are Muslim UFC and MMA fighters, then look no further!
Wondering if Muslims are represented in other sports? Definitely check out our review of the best Muslim basketball players to play in the NBA.
What is MMA?
Before we get into discussing the best Muslim UFC and MMA fighters, it is important to understand what mixed martial arts is and what it is not. Mixed martial arts, MMA, cage fighting, no holds barred, and ultimate fighting are all terms that can be used to describe MMA.
MMA is a form of fighting that includes striking, grappling, ground fighting, and the use of hands and feet against an opponent. It is a full-contact, combat sport that occurs within a set stage between two individual fighters, with few rules.
And although MMA incorporates aspects of boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts, it is more of a hybrid fighting style. That is, although MMA has aspects of boxing and kickboxing, it is a unique form of fighting and requires differing strengths to be successful in.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, is an American mixed martial arts organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Owned by Zuffa, LLC, a subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, the UFC is the largest MMA promotion company in the world and has some of the highest-level fighters in the sport on its roster.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
It would be an absolute embarrassment to not name Khabib Nurmagomedov as the absolute best Muslim MMA and UFC fighter to ever engage in the sport.
A Russian mixed martial artist, Khabib competed in the lightweight division of the UFC, where he was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, holding the title from April 2018 to March 2021.
With 29 wins and 0 losses, Khabib is widely considered to be one of the greatest and best mixed martial artists of all time. Subsequently, he retired undefeated.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has a background in the disciplines of sambo, judo, and wrestling. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked #1 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings and is the first Muslim to win a UFC title.
In addition, he is the most-followed Russian on Instagram with over 33 million followers in 2022.
Askar Askarov
A Russian mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler, Askar Askarov currently competes in the Flyweight division of the UFC. Having competed as a mixed martial artist since 2013, he currently ranks as #3 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
Askarov was born in 1992, in the village of Kamysh-Kutan in the Akhvakhsky District of Dagestan, which is an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation.
Since birth, Askar was born deaf and though his hearing has improved, he can only hear approximately 20% of the sounds most people can. This makes it difficult for him to hear any instructions from his team during a fight.
Amir Albazi
Amir Albazi is a Swedish born, Iraqi fighter. Nicknamed “The Prince”, he was born on October 27, 1993. He would turn professional in 2009, when he defeated Andre Batista in the World Ultimate Full Contact promotion.
From 2010 through 2016, Albazi would fight in various promotions and would go on to have an 8-0 record before making his debut in Bellator, where he would fight Jamie Powell, winning by unanimous decision.
Zabit Magomedsharipov
Zabit Magomedsharipov is a Russian mixed martial artist who currently fights in the Featherweight division of the UFC. He is a former Absolute Championship Berkut Featherweight Champion.
Born on March 1, 1991, Magomedsharipov is from the Khasavyurt, Dagestan ASSR region of the Soviet Union. His older brother, Khasan, is also a professional mixed martial artist.
Movsar Evloev
Movsar Evloev is another Russian mixed martial artists who currently competes in the featherweight division of the UFC. A professional since 2014, Movsar has competed at M-1 Global, where he is the former bantamweight champion.
As of June 14, 2021, Movsar is currently ranked #13 in the UFC featherweight rankings. In addition to mixed martial arts, Movsar has a degree in both computer programming and law.
Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is currently ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings. Born on September 27, 1991, he is a former Sambo competitor and currently competes in the lightweight division in the UFC.
An ethnic Lak, Makhachev was born in Makhachkala and grew up in the remote village of Burshi, which is now part of the Republic of Dagestan in Russia.
Shamil Abdurakhimov
Shamil Abdurakhimov is a Russian mixed martial artist of Avar heritage. He currently fights in the heavyweight division of the UFC and was ranked #12 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev is another Russian mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Light heavyweight division of the UFC and was also the Light heavyweight champion at the World Fighting Championship Akhmat. In 2022, Ankalaev was ranked #4 in the UFC Light Heavyweight rankings.