Kairat Akhmetov

Kairat Akhmetov (Kazakh: Қайрат Ахметов; born October 12, 1987 ) is a Kazakhstani professional mixed martial artist. He currently fights as a flyweight for ONE Championship and is a former ONE Flyweight Champion.

Background
Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov was inspired by his father, an amateur champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, and soon followed in his footsteps. Akhmetov started training in 2000, and proved to be as talented as his father, eventually becoming a three-time National Greco-Roman Champion in Kazakhstan. He also took to Taekwondo, winning a regional championship.

Early career
After turning professional in 2010, Akhmetov racked a 19–0 record almost solely in his native Kazakhstani regional circuit before being signed to the ONE Championship in 2015.

ONE Championship
During his ONE Championship debut at ONE Championship: Dynasty of Champions (Beijing II) Akhmetov won the ONE Flyweight Championship from Adriano Moraes by split decision. During the bout, Akhmetov suffered a back injury, leaving him unable to compete for nearly two years. During Akhmetov's absence, Moraes would capture the Interim ONE Flyweight Championship. The two would meet again at ONE Championship: Kings & Conquerors for the unification bout. Akhmetov lost via unanimous decision.

At ONE Championship: Global Superheroes Akhmetov lost to Geje Eustaquio by unanimous decision in a bout for the Interim ONE Flyweight Championship.

Akhmetov faced Danny Kingad at ONE: Winter Warriors II on December 17, 2021. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Akhmetov faced Tatsumitsu Wada at ONE 158 on June 3, 2022. Akhmetov won the bout via unanimous decision.

Akhmetov faced Reece McLaren at ONE Fight Night 10 on May 5, 2023. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

On June 16, 2023, it was reported that Akhmetov had tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition drug test and will face a six-month suspension.

Championships and accomplishments

 * ONE Championship
 * ONE Flyweight Championship (One time)