Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (Довлетджан Ягшимурадов; Döwletjan Ýagşymyradow; born 22 May 1989) is a Turkmenistani mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League. He has also competed in Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), where he was the ACA Light Heavyweight Champion.

Biography
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov was born in the city of Türkmenabat, but grew up in a nearby village. At the age of six, in addition to going to school-where he studied at the 1st comprehensive school in his native village-he signed up for a karate lessons After several years of training, Yagshimuradov became one of the best karatekas among his peers, taking the under-11 championship and eventually winning gold at the national level tournament.

In the 7th grade, he switched to kickboxing. Upon reaching the age of eligibility, Yagshimuradov joined the army, and after demobilization, he lived in his homeland for a little less than a year and left for Kharkov to pursue his college education.

At the age of 17, Yagshimuradov went to serve in the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan. He has the title of senior sergeant.

Yagshimuradov has resided in Kharkiv, Ukraine for the last twelve years, constructing a life with his kin and made a living as a fighter and entrepreneur. He managed two ventures and was a businessman with three different diplomas, including a bachelor's degree in economics and law conferred by Kharkiv National University of Economics in 2015.

Early career
As a student, in 2011, Dovletdzhan began to visit the hall where combat sports were taught. In March 2012, Yagshimuradov was asked to compete at the Oplot Challenge 1 tournament against the Czech Rudolf Kriz, which started the path of the Turkmen fighter in mixed martial arts.

His first fight ended in a draw, and in his next seven performances, Yagshimuradov got 4 wins and 3 losses. This was explained by the fact that, due to inexperience, Dovlet did not think about a sports career, he went to fights on a week's notice, but later the situation changed. At the end of his studies at the university, he went on a five-fight winning streak and had "gold" behind him in the light heavyweight tournament. The native of Chardzhou held his last fight in OC against Magomed Ankalaev, losing to him by decision, and then a serious career rise awaited him.

Having spent one fight under the auspices of the RFP, and knocking out Maxim Kushnerenko in 27 seconds, Yagshimuradov was invited to M-1, where he was defeated by Mikhail Rogozin. The failure was followed by success and, having obtained another victory, with a record of 11-5 and one draw, the fighter signed a contract with Absolute Championship Akhmat.

Absolute Championship Akhmat
The first fight took place abroad - in Austria at ACB 52, where Dovlet finished Dan Konecki. This was followed by victories over Jared Torgeson at ACB 62 and Joachim Christensen at ACB 75, the knockout of which was marked by a bonus, as the best of the evening.

At ACB 79: Aguev vs. Alfaya, Dovlet faced Luis Fernando Miranda in a title eliminator, defeating Miranda by the way of knockout in just a minute of the fight, and less than 4 months later at ACB 86, a duel for the belt took place. The confrontation with Batraz Agnaev ended in Yagshimuradov submitting Agnaev via rear-naked choke in the third round, winning the bout and ACB Light Heavyweight Championship.

On February 16, 2019, at ACA 92: Yagshimuradov vs. Celiński, Yagshimuradov faced Karol Celińskt for inaugural ACA Light Heavyweight Championship after the league was renamed, winning the bout and title via TKO in round fourth.

On December 14, 2019, at ACA 103: Yagshimuradov vs. Butorin, Dovlet defended the AСA Light Heavyweight title against Alexey Butorin, winning the  fight via unanimous decision.

Bellator MMA
In December 2020, Dovletdzhan signed a contract with the Bellator MMA.

Dovletdzhan was scheduled to made his Bellator debut on April 9, 2021, at Bellator 256 against Corey Anderson in quarterfinal round of Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. On March 26, it was announced that the bout would be moved to Bellator 257 on April 16. He lost the bout via third-round technical knockout.

Dovletdzhan faced Karl Albektsson at Bellator 268 on October 16, 2021, losing the bout via unanimous decision.

Yagshimuradov was scheduled to face Tony Johnson at Bellator 277 on April 15, 2022. However, due to an injury, Johnson was forced to pull out and was replaced by former Bellator Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho. Dovletdzhan won the bout in the second round via TKO.

Dovletdzhan faced Julius Anglickas at Bellator 292 on March 10, 2023. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Dovletdzhan faced Maciej Różański on October 7, 2023, at Bellator 300. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

PFL
Dovletdzhan started the 2024 season against Jakob Nedoh on April 12, 2024 at PFL 2. He won the fight in the first round by technical knockout.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Absolute Championship Akhmat
 * ACA Light Heavyweight Championship (One time; First)
 * One successful title defense
 * Absolute Championship Berkut
 * ACB Light Heavyweight Championship (One time; Last)
 * Knockout of the Night (One times) vs. Joachim Christensen on November 25, 2017
 * Oplot Challenge
 * OC 2012-2013 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner

Actor career
In 2022, Yagshimuradov played the role of Balaban Alp in the Turkish television series Kuruluş: Osman Season 3. Balaban Alp is a normal Selcuk soldier who joins Osman and becomes his Alp as he comes with a messenger of Sultan Alaeddin.