Nick Maximov

Nick Maximov (born December 23, 1997) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background Starting out with karate and taekwondo at the age of 11, he then took on jiu-jitsu. Maximov wrestled while in high school, having a very successful run on the Chico High School wrestling team, with 137 wins against 37 losses. He would continue wrestling while attending college, first wrestling for Clackamas Community College and, briefly, at Oregon State. He earned NJCAA All-American honors during his second season at Clackamas Community College.

Through an introduction through his father being friends with a training partner of the Diaz brothers, Nick started training at Nate Diaz Academy in Stockton.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Making his MMA professional debut at KOTC Terminal Velocity, he defeated Nick Piecuch via TKO in the first round, followed by a second round kimura at Hard Fought Championships 1 against Bruno Casillas. He would go on to defeat William Hope via TKO in round one at Iron Pit Promotions High Desert Brawl 14, before picking up a rear-naked submission in the first round at KOTC Return to Order.

Maximov faced Johnny James Jr. at LFA 91. He won the bout via rear-naked choke in the second round.

Maximov was scheduled to face Matheus Scheffel in a Light Heavyweight bout at Dana White's Contender Series 36 on November 17, 2020. However, Scheffel pulled out of the bout and was scheduled at Heavyweight against Oscar Cota, who also had his opponent pull out. He won the fight via unanimous decision, however wasn't awarded a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship In June 2021, it was announced that Maximov had signed with the UFC.

Maximov was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Karl Roberson on September 25, 2021, at UFC 266. However, due to medical issues Roberson was forced to withdraw from the event and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Cody Brundage. Maximov won his debut via unanimous decision.

In his sophomore performance, Maximov faced Punahele Soriano on February 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 200. He won the fight via split decision. 12 out of 16 media scores gave it to Maximov.

Maximov faced Andre Petroski at UFC on ESPN: Błachowicz vs. Rakić on May 14, 2022. Maximov lost the bout after getting choked out in the first round via an anaconda choke submission.

Maximov faced Jacob Malkoun on October 15, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 212. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In late October 2022, it was reported that Maximov was released by the UFC.

Post-UFC Career

In his first fight since leaving the UFC, Maximov faced TUF 23 veteran Elias Urbina at Fury FC 95 on August 2, 2024. He would win the fight via submission in the first round.

Professional Fighters League On April 12, 2025, it was announced that Maximov signed with Professional Fighters League and he was scheduled to making his PFL debut against Khalid Murtazaliev in an alternate bout on April 18, 2025, at PFL 3. However, the bout was removed from the event after Maximov withdrew.

Mixed martial arts record Win

Buddy Wallace TKO (punches) Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 34

Wheatland, California, United States NC

Buddy Wallace NC (accidental eye poke) Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 33

Wheatland, California, United States Win

Renato Valente Decision (unanimous) Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 29

Wheatland, California, United States Win

Handesson Ferreira TKO (punches) 559 Fights 115

Porterville, California, United States Win

Said-Magomed Abdulgaziev Decision (unanimous) Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 26

Wheatland, California, United States Win

Kevem Felipe Decision (unanimous) Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 25

Wheatland, California, United States Win

Elias Urbina Submission (rear-naked choke) Fury FC 95

Dallas, Texas, United States Loss

Jacob Malkoun Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Araújo

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Andre Petroski Technical Submission (anaconda choke) UFC on ESPN: Błachowicz vs. Rakić

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Punahele Soriano Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Cody Brundage Decision (unanimous) UFC 266

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Oscar Cota Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 36

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Johnny James Jr. Submission (rear-naked choke) LFA 91

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States Win

Robert Allensworth Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC: Return to Order

Oroville, California, United States Win

William Hope TKO (punches) High Desert Brawl 14

Susanville, California, United States Win

Bruno Casillas Submission (kimura) Hard Fought Productions 1

Redding, California, United States Win

Nick Piecuch TKO (punches) KOTC: Terminal Velocity

Oroville, California, United States