Nazim Sadykhov

Early life Nazim Sadykhov was born on May 16, 1994, in Moscow, Russia, to Azerbaijani parents. His father introduced him to sports early to teach self-defense. Sadykhov grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but maintains a strong connection to his Azerbaijani heritage, honoring his lineage and cultural roots.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Nazim Sadykhov began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career on November 16, 2018. After an initial loss, he achieved a series of victories, including six by knockout and two by submission. This performance led to his participation in Dana White's Contender Series on August 16, 2022, where he secured a third-round knockout against Ahmad Hassanzada, earning a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Ultimate Fighting Championship In his UFC debut, Sadykhov faced Evan Elder on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219. He won the fight by technical knockout due to a doctor's stoppage in the third round. This fight earned his Fight of the Night award.

Sadykhov faced Terrance McKinney on July 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 49. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.

Sadykhov faced Viacheslav Borshchev on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. The fight ended via a majority draw. This fight earned his Fight of the Night award.

Sadykhov was scheduled to face Chris Duncan on July 13, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 59. However, Duncan withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by MarQuel Mederos. A week later, Mederos pulled out, and the bout was scrapped.

Sadykhov faced Ismael Bonfim on February 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 251. He won the fight by technical knockout due to a doctor's stoppage at the end of the first round.

Sadykhov faced Nikolas Motta on June 21, 2025, at UFC on ABC 8. He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round. This fight earned him two $50,000 awards (Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night) totaling $100,000.

Sadykhov faced Farès Ziam on December 6, 2025 at UFC 323. He lost the fight by technical knockout via punches and elbows in the second round.

Sadykhov was scheduled to face MarQuel Mederos on April 11, 2026 at UFC 327. However, Sadykhov withdrew to an injury and was replaced by Chris Padilla.

Sadykhov faced Matheus Camilo on June 27, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 280. He lost the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (Three times) UFC.com Awards 2025: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year MMA Fighting 2025 #4 Ranked Fight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Matheus Camilo TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres

Baku, Azerbaijan Loss

Farès Ziam TKO (elbows and punches) UFC 323

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Nikolas Motta KO (punches) UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr.

Baku, Azerbaijan Win

Ismael Bonfim TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Draw

Viacheslav Borshchev Draw (majority) UFC 295

New York City, New York, United States Win

Terrance McKinney Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Bueno Silva

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Evan Elder TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada KO (punch) Dana White's Contender Series 50

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Joe Boerschig KO (punches) Fury FC 59

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Juan Carlos De Leon TKO (punches) Fury FC 55

Houston, Texas, United States Win

John Herrera Submission (rear-naked choke) Fury FC 52

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Elijah Harris Decision (unanimous) Cage Fury FC 81

Bensalem, Pennsylvania, United States Win

Trent Stump TKO (punches) Cage Fury FC 77

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

William Dill KO (punch) Ring of Combat 68

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Juan Galarza Submission (rear-naked choke) Ring of Combat 66

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States