Shamil Gamzatov

Shamil Gamzatov (Шамиль Раджабович Гамзатов; born August 9, 1990) is a Russian mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division. A professional since 2012, he has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), World Series of Fighting, Absolute Championship Berkut and competed in the Middleweight division  of the Professional Fighters League.

Background
He was born in Kizlyar city, Dagestan, Soviet Union into a devout Sunni muslim family of Avar origin from Tsurib village, Charodinsky District. He started training in freestyle wrestling at 8 years of age, after an injured knee he retired. At 15 years of age he joined Amateur MMA under Zalimkhan Tatev. He won European and World MMA titles in amateur level. Also he is a Dagestan national kickboxing champion, 3x grappling Abdu-Dabi tournament winner. Combat Sambo North Caucasian championships 3rd 2015 at 100 kg. At the World Grappling Championships (World Grappling Association) he won the gold medal at 92 kilos.

Gamzatov said of his changing of sports as a kid, “[I] changed various sports and performed in them: combat sambo, grappling, amateur MMA. Then there was a transition to MMA and there was a debut and so began my career as a professional!”

World Series of Fighting
He made his debut in the US on January 23, 2016, at WSOF 27, his opponent was Teddy Holder of Tennessee. He won the fight by TKO (punches) in the first round.

Absolute Championship Berkut
He faced Rodney Wallace on January 13, 2017, at ACB 51. He won the back-and-forth fight by split decision.

Professional Fighters League
Gamzatov faced Eddie Gordon on July 5, 2018, at PFL 3. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

In his next bout, Gamzatov faced Rex Harris on 16 August 2018 at PFL 6. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Gamzatov signed a four-fight deal with the UFC in July.

Gamzatov made his promotional debut against Klidson Abreu on November 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 163. He won the fight via split decision.

Gamzatov was scheduled to face Ovince Saint Preux on April 25, 2020. However, Gamzatov was forced to pull from the event due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restriction The match was rescheduled on August 22, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 15. However, for unknown reason, Gamzatov was pulled from the bout and he was replaced by Alonzo Menifield.

Gamzatov was briefly linked to a bout against Devin Clark  on November 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Lewis. However, Gamzatov was removed from the bout in mid-October due to alleged visa issues and was replaced by Anthony Smith on the card.

Gamzatov was scheduled to face Da Un Jung on April 10, 2021, at UFC on ABC 2. However, Gamzatov was removed from the bout on March 24 due to alleged visa issues and replaced by William Knight.

Gamzatov faced Michał Oleksiejczuk on October 30, 2021, at UFC 267. He lost the bout via TKO in the first round, losing for the first time in his professional career.

Gamzatov was scheduled to face Misha Cirkunov on August 6, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill. However, Gamzatov was unable to obtain a US visa and the bout was scrapped, after which he and the UFC parted ways.

Grappling

 * Abu Dhabi grappling tournament
 * 3x tournament winner.
 * World Grappling Association
 * World champion (92 kg).

MMA

 * World Mixed Martial Arts Amateur Union
 * European champion 2013 (93 kg).
 * World champion 2013 (93 kg).