Azamat Murzakanov

Azamat Anzorovich Murzakanov (Азамат Анзорович Мурзаканов; born April 12, 1989) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of June 24, 2024, he is #14 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

Background
Azamat Murzakanov was born on April 12, 1989, in the village of Kyzburun III (now Dygulybgey), Kabardino-Balkaria. After graduating from high school in 2006, he served in the internal troops, and after demobilization, he worked in the SOBR of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, where he met his future coach, Khachim Mamkhegov (honored trainer of Russia in hand-to-hand combat). With his experienced mentor, Azamat has achieved resounding success in national and international tournaments (multiple champion of Russia, 3-time world champion, gold medalist of the European and Asian championships, honored master of sports in hand-to-hand combat).

Early career
In 2010, Azamat Murzakanov started his professional MMA career, training at the Unity Sports Complex in Nalchik. His debut took place on February 13, 2010, at the ProFC - Union Nation Cup 5 tournament, where he knocked out Anzor Khakimov in just 10 seconds. After a break due to work and studies, Murzakanov returned to fighting in June 2015, showcasing his knockout power at the ROC 51 event. In October 2015, he competed in the Polish promotion, Envio Fight Night, and won by unanimous decision.

In 2016, Murzakanov had three fights and achieved early victories in all of them. On May 14, he won via TKO at Global Proving Ground 24; on July 23, he defeated Bohdan Bulakh with a submission; and on October 2, he knocked out André Muniz, ending Muniz's eight-match winning streak. On April 15, 2017, Murzakanov competed in the Russian MMA league, Absolute Championship Akhmat, securing another quick finish against Georgy Sakaev at ACB 57.

Murzakanov signed with the UFC and was expected to face Joachim Christensen on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs. Lee. However, Murzakanov was removed from the card on June 8 for undisclosed reasons. It was later announced that the reason was that Murzakanov had failed USADA doping test, testing positive for boldenone metabolites 5β-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one and androsta-1,4-diene-6β-ol-3,17-dione. Murzakanov was suspended for 2 years starting on September 2, 2017.

In late 2019, news surfaced that Murzakanov had applied to Brave CF openweight tournament with a prize of $100,000, and was eventually picked to be a part of the tournament. The tournament took part on November 15, 2019, at Brave CF 29, using his wrestling in the semi-final to defeat Guto Inocente via unanimous decision, before knocking out Mohammad Fakhreddine in the first round to win the tournament.

Murzakanov was invited for a second chance in the UFC, appearing on Dana White's Contender Series 37 on August 31, 2021, finishing Matheus Scheffel in the first round to win the bout and gaining a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Murzakanov was scheduled to make his debut against Marcin Prachnio on November 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 198. However, the bout was later scrapped due to visa issues.

Murzakanov was once again scheduled to make his promotional debut against Philipe Lins on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 31. However, Lins withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons and he was replaced by Jared Vanderaa. Shortly after the weigh-ins, officials announced that the bout had been canceled due to Vanderaa not being medically cleared.

Murzakanov made his UFC debut against Tafon Nchukwi on March 12, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev Despite losing most of the bout, Murzakanov won the bout after knocking Nchukwi out with a flying knee in round three. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

In his sophomore performance, Murzakanov faced Devin Clark on August 13, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz. He won the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Murzakanov faced Dustin Jacoby on April 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs. Allen. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Murzakanov was scheduled to face Volkan Oezdemir on September 2, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 226. However, Murzakanov pulled out in early August due to unknown reasons and was replaced by Bogdan Guskov.

Murzakanov was scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr. on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52. However, Murzakanov suffered from symptoms related to Pneumonia and was removed from the event

Murzakanov is scheduled to face Alonzo Menifield on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7.

Personal life
In 2016, Azamat Murzaganov married wife Zalina, a graduate of the law faculty of the University. H.B. Berbekov. The family has a daughter and a son.

Azamat's younger brother, Marat, is a master of sports in hand-to-hand combat, serving in the border troops of the FSB of Russia.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Tafon Nchukwi
 * Brave Combat Federation
 * Brave CF Openweight Tournament