Sasha Palatnikov

Sasha Palatnikov (born March 15, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist, born in Hong Kong, who competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He currently competes in Karate Combat.

Background

Palatnikov, the son of a Russian father, who was a professional high diver, and a Scottish mother, was born and raised in Hong Kong but spent many summers in Brooklyn as a kid, specifically Brighton Beach. Due to this, he has a conversational level of knowledge in Cantonese. His parents put him in Karate at the age of five. He started playing rugby at the age of six and would train Muay Thai and boxing in the off seasons. He played rugby professionally, but due to an injury, decided to retire and go pursue an education.

Palatnikov was the Hong Kong Heavyweight Amateur Boxing Association Champion in 2012 and hoped to represent Hong Kong at the Olympic qualifiers, but he was unable to do so due to eligibility restrictions.

Sasha also spent time in the United States and Canada throughout his college career, studying and playing American football and rugby at Concordia University, Hudson Valley Community College, and the University of Buffalo, graduating with a communications degree and minored in computer science.

In 2014, Palatnikov was sentenced to a 2-year prison sentence by the Hong Kong District Court for a robbery in 2013. The incident occurred when Sasha was helping a South African citizen recover a HK$10,000 debt from an Australian man. HK$70,000 in cash was stolen after the pair forced their way into his flat. At the time, Sasha was a computer programmer who was described as "a straight-A student" and excellent rugby player, claimed he had agreed to help his friend in what he thought would be a purely verbal confrontation with the Australian. Dawson, the Australian, was kicked and punched by the South African while being held by Palatnikov, the court heard. After serving 16 months, Palatnikov was released in 2015.

Within a month of his release, Palatnikov went to the Philippines to compete in a jiu-jitsu competition, then moved to Florida to train at the Blackzilians team gym in Boca Raton.

Sasha then fought for the UAE Warriors promotion, where he faced fellow future UFC fighter, Mounir Lazzez at UAE Warriors 8. He lost the bout via TKO at the end of the first round.

Palatnikov faced late replacement Paulo Henrique at UAE Warriors 13 in a catchweight bout, winning the bout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Palatnikov made his promotion debut against Louis Cosce on November 21, 2020, at UFC 255. He won the bout via TKO in the third round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

In his sophomore appearance in the organization, Palatnikov faced Impa Kasanganay on April 10, 2021, at UFC on ABC: Vettori vs. Holland. He lost the fight via second-round submission.

Palatnikov faced Ramiz Brahimaj on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum. He lost the fight via technical submission due to a rear naked choke in round one.

On February 10, 2022, it was announced that Palatnikov was released by the UFC.

Post UFC Palatnikov faced Kyron Bowen on April 2, 2022 at XMMA 4. He won the bout via TKO stoppage due to punches and elbows.

Palatnikov faced Joshua Jones on May 20, 2022 at Tuff-N-Uff 128. He won the bout via split decision.

Palatnikov faced Tanner Saraceno at XMMA 5 on July 23, 2022. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the third round.

Palatnikov is scheduled to face Francisco Trinaldo at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 on October 28, 2023.

Karate Combat Palatnikov signed with Karate Combat on December 17, 2022, winning his debut against Canadian Rob Buxton by knockout in the first round at Karate Combat 37.

Palatnikov next faced Adrian Hadribeaj of Albania at Karate Combat 38 on April 1, 2023, losing by split decision.

Palatnikov faced former karate and kickboxing champion Raymond Daniels at Karate Combat 39 on May 20, 2023, where he lost by unanimous decision.

Palatnikov faced Gustavo Sousa at Karate Combat 49 on September 18, 2024, and lost via first‑round knockout. The finish occurred after he was dropped, resulting in a neck injury.

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Palatanikov faced Francisco Trinaldo at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 on November 10, 2023. He lost the fight via TKO due to injury in the first round.

Dirty Boxing Career Palatnikov made his debut with Mike Perry's "Dirty Boxing Championships" at Dirty Boxing Championship 2 on June 14, 2025. He faced Phil Hawes and won via first‑round disqualification due to repeated eye pokes committed by Hawes.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One Time)