Ali Isaev

Ali Isaevich Isaev (Али Исаевич Исаев; born 18 December 1983) is a Russian-Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and former amateur wrestler. He currently competes in the Heavyweight division of Bellator MMA. He has also formerly competed for Fight Nights Global and Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he was the 2019 Heavyweight Tournament Champion. He competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in men's freestyle wrestling at 125 kilos where Isaev placed 17th.

Early career
Ali Isaev was born to a Dargin family on 18 December 1983 in the city Makhatchkala. Isaev is a Freestyle wrestling European champion. He made his professional MMA debut in April 2016. He fought his first four fights exclusively for Fight Nights Global and went undefeated with two decision wins and two knockout wins.

PFL season 2019
In the summer of 2019, Isaev began competing in the Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League. In his debut, he defeated Valdrin Istrefi by unanimous decision at PFL 3 on June 6, 2019. In his second fight for the promotion, Isayev defeated Carl Seumanutafa also by unanimous decision at PFL 6 on August 8, 2019.

On October 31, 2019, he fought twice in one night in the 2019 PFL Heavyweight tournament. He defeated Kelvin Tiller by decision and Denis Goltsov by TKO in the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts, respectively. He faced Jared Rosholt in the finals at PFL 10 on December 31, 2019. Isayev won the fight via TKO in the fourth round to claim the 2019 Heavyweight Championship.

PFL season 2021
Isaev was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Hatef Moeil on May 6, 2021, at PFL 3. However, during the week of the event, it was announced that the bout was pulled due to unknown reasons and would be rescheduled for June.

Isaev was scheduled to face Renan Ferreira on June 25, 2021, at PFL 6. Isaev was forced to withdraw from the event after not being medically cleared to compete. Stepping in for Isaev to fight Renan Ferreira was PFL newcomer Stuart Austin.

PFL season 2022
Isaev was scheduled to face Klidson Abreu on April 28, 2022, at PFL 2. However, Isaev pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Adam Keresh.

Isaev was scheduled to face Jamelle Jones on June 24, 2022, at PFL 5. However, Isaev once again pulled out of the bout.

Bellator MMA
On September 30, 2022, it was announced that Isaev had signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.

Isaev made his Bellator debut against Steve Mowry on February 4, 2023, at Bellator 290. The bout concluded in a unanimous draw.

Isaev was scheduled to face Daniel James on November 17, 2023 at Bellator 301. The week of the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.

Personal life
Isaev has Azerbaijani citizenship. After signing his contract with Bellator, he got a United States visa using his Azerbaijani passport.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Professional Fighters League
 * 2019 Heavyweight Championship