Azamat Murzakanov

Azamat Anzorovich Murzakanov (;

Background Azamat Murzakanov was born on April 12, 1989, in the village of Kyzburun III (now Dygulybgey), Kabardino-Balkaria. With his experienced mentor, Murzakanov 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).

Mixed martial arts career 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. 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 203 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 41. He won the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Murzakanov faced Dustin Jacoby on April 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 44. 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 for 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 faced Alonzo Menifield on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7. He won the fight by knockout in the second round. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.

Murzakanov was scheduled to face Nikita Krylov on November 16, 2024 at UFC 309. However, Murzakanov withdrew from the fight for unknown reasons.

Murzakanov was suspended from November 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025 from competing by CSAD after testing positive for LGD-4033 metabolites.

Murazakanov was scheduled to face Johnny Walker on May 17, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 256. However, for unknown reasons, the bout was moved to June 7, 2025 at UFC 316. In turn, Walker pulled out in early May due to injury and was replaced by Brendson Ribeiro. Murzakanov won the fight by technical knockout via submission to punches in the first round.

Murazakanov faced Aleksandar Rakić on October 25, 2025 at UFC 321. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Murzakanov faced former UFC Middleweight Championship challenger Paulo Costa on April 11, 2026, in the co-main event of UFC 327. Murzakanov lost by technical knockout via head kick in the third round, marking the first loss of his mixed martial arts career.

Murzakanov is scheduled to face Dominick Reyes on October 24, 2026 at UFC 333.

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