Islam Murtazaev

Islam Murtazaev (Russian: Ислам Муртазаев; born April 13, 1991) is a Russian kickboxer and mixed martial artist. As of March 2023, he is ranked as the fourth best middleweight in the world by Beyond Kickboxing.

Biography and career Early career Murtazaev grew up in Dagestan where he trained in wrestling before transitioning to Muay Thai at the age of 10. He competed as an amateur until 2016 when he quit his job as an oil and gas extraction engineer and moved to Thailand.

On September 29, 2017, Murtazaev took part in the EM Legend -75 kg World Tournament finals. In the semi-finals he defeated Jordan Tai by decision. He faced Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong in the final, after 3 rounds the judges declared the fight a draw, an extra round was fought which Murtazaev won by split decision to capture the title.

On April 8, 2016, Murtazaev took part in the 2016 Kunlun Fight -75 kg World Tournament. He faced Alim Nabiev in the final 16 round and was eliminated after losing the fight by unanimous decision.

On November 30, 2018, Murtazaev faced Omar Moreno in a KOK World Series event in Spain. He won the fight with by tornado kick knockout in the first round.

Murtazaev faced Chanajon P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym at THAI FIGHT Chiang Mai on December 23, 2017. He lost the fight by decision.

Murtazaev faced Omar Moreno in his King of Kings debut at KOK World Series on November 30, 2018. He won the fight by a first-round knockout.

Murtazaev was booked to face Sher Mamazulunov at Wu Lin Feng 2019: WLF China vs Russia on September 20, 2019, in an WLF-Orion cross-promotional event. Murtazaev won the fight by unanimous decision. The bout was later awarded "Fight of the Year" honors at the 2019 "The Orion Awards".

ONE Championship Murtazaev challenged Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight World Championship at ONE: Winter Warriors on December 3, 2021. He lost the bout via split decision.

Murtazaev was expected to face the former Glory Welterweight Champion Nieky Holzken at ONE: X on March 26, 2022. The bout was later cancelled, as all Russian fighters were removed from ONE events taking place in Singapore.

Murtazaev was expected to face Sinsamut Klinmee at ONE 159 on July 22, 2022. Murtazaev later withdrew because of a "family emergency" and was replaced by Liam Nolan.

Murtazaev was expected to face the former Glory welterweight champion Nieky Holzken at ONE 162 on October 21, 2022. Holzken withdrew with an injury on October 17 and was replaced by Constantin Rusu. Murtazaev lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Murtazaev faced Ahmet Kılıç at REN TV Fight Club on November 18, 2022. He won the fight by a first-round knockout.

Murtazaev challenged Sergey Ponomarev for the Russian National -86 kg title at REN TV Fight Club on February 17, 2023. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Murtazaev was expected to face Jonatan Oliveira for the vacant WKU K-1 World -86 kg title at the November 18, 2023, REN TV Fight Club event. Oliveira withdrew with a torn biceps on November 15 and was replaced by the undefeated Sina Kazemi. Murtazaev won the fight by a first-round knockout.

Titles and accomplishments Professional EM Legend 2017 EM Legend World -75 kg Champion Russian Kickboxing Federation 2023 Russian K-1 -86 kg Championship World Karate and Kickboxing Union 2023 WKU K-1 World -86 kg Champion

Amateur International Federation of Muaythai Associations 2015 IFMA World Championship -75 kg Silver World Muaythai Federation 2016 WMF World Championship Pro-Am -75 kg Champion

Awards 2019 Orion Awards Fight of the Year (vs. Sher Mamazulunov)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Ali Rezaelian TKO (submission to punches) Mix Fight Events 46

Yerevan, Armenia Muay Thai & Kickboxing record