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Ali Isaev
Ali Isaev
Ali Isaev
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Ali Isaevich Isaev (Russian: Али Исаевич Исаев; born 18 December 1983) is a Russian-Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and former amateur wrestler who competed in the Heavyweight division. He has also formerly competed for Bellator MMA, Fight Nights Global[3][4] and Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he was the 2019 Heavyweight Tournament Champion. He competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in men's freestyle wrestling at 125 kilos where Isaev placed 17th.[5]

Key Information

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Ali Isaev was born to a Dargin family on 18 December 1983 in the city Makhatchkala. Isaev is a Freestyle wrestling European champion. He made his professional MMA debut in April 2016. He fought his first four fights exclusively for Fight Nights Global and went undefeated with two decision wins and two knockout wins.

Professional Fighters League

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PFL season 2019

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In the summer of 2019, Isaev began competing in the Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League.[6] In his debut, he defeated Valdrin Istrefi by unanimous decision at PFL 3 on June 6, 2019. In his second fight for the promotion, Isayev defeated Carl Seumanutafa also by unanimous decision at PFL 6 on August 8, 2019.

On October 31, 2019, he fought twice in one night in the 2019 PFL Heavyweight tournament.[7] He defeated Kelvin Tiller by decision and Denis Goltsov by TKO in the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts, respectively. He faced Jared Rosholt in the finals at PFL 10 on December 31, 2019. Isayev won the fight via TKO in the fourth round to claim the 2019 Heavyweight Championship.

PFL season 2021

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Isaev was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Hatef Moeil on May 6, 2021, at PFL 3.[8] However, during the week of the event, it was announced that the bout was pulled for unknown reasons and would be rescheduled for June.[9]

Isaev was scheduled to face Renan Ferreira on June 25, 2021, at PFL 6.[10] Isaev was forced to withdraw from the event after not being medically cleared to compete. Stepping in for Isaev to fight Renan Ferreira was PFL newcomer Stuart Austin.[11]

PFL season 2022

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Isaev was scheduled to face Klidson Abreu on April 28, 2022, at PFL 2.[12] However, Isaev pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Adam Keresh.[13]

Isaev was scheduled to face Jamelle Jones on June 24, 2022, at PFL 5.[14] However, Isaev once again pulled out of the bout.[15]

Bellator MMA

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On September 30, 2022, it was announced that Isaev had signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.[16]

Isaev made his Bellator debut against Steve Mowry on February 4, 2023, at Bellator 290.[17] The bout concluded in a unanimous draw.[18]

Isaev was scheduled to face Daniel James on November 17, 2023 at Bellator 301.[19] The week of the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.[20]

Personal life

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Isaev has Azerbaijani citizenship. After signing his contract with Bellator, he got a United States visa using his Azerbaijani passport.[21]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
10 matches 9 wins 0 losses
By knockout 4 0
By decision 5 0
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Draw 9–0–1 Steve Mowry Draw (unanimous) Bellator 290 February 4, 2023 3 5:00 Inglewood, California, United States
Win 9–0 Jared Rosholt TKO (punches) PFL 10 (2019) December 31, 2019 4 4:09 New York City, New York, United States Won the 2019 PFL Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 8–0 Denis Goltsov TKO (punches) PFL 9 (2019) October 31, 2019 3 4:59 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2019 PFL Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 7–0 Kelvin Tiller Decision (unanimous) 2 5:00 2019 PFL Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 6–0 Carl Seumanutafa Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 (2019) August 8, 2019 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 5–0 Valdrin Istrefi Decision (unanimous) PFL 3 (2019) June 6, 2019 3 5:00 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 4–0 Alexander Gladkov KO (spinning wheel kick and punches) Fight Nights Global 90 October 19, 2018 1 1:36 Moscow, Russia
Win 3–0 Vladimir Daineko TKO (punches) Fight Nights Global 83 February 23, 2018 2 0:40 Moscow, Russia
Win 2–0 Mikhail Kabargin Decision (unanimous) Fight Nights Global 53 October 7, 2016 3 5:00 Moscow, Russia
Win 1–0 Timofey Mishev Decision (unanimous) Fight Nights Global 46 April 29, 2016 3 5:00 Moscow, Russia Heavyweight debut.

Freestyle record

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World Championships & Olympic Games Matches
Res. Opponent Score Date Event Location
2010 World Championships
Loss Greece Ioannis Arzoumanidis 0–1, 0–1 September 6–12, 2010 2010 World Wrestling Championships Russia Moscow, Russia
Win Belarus Aleksey Shemarov 1-0, 6-0
Loss Uzbekistan Artur Taymazov 0–1, 3–2,0-1
Win Cameroon Andrei Podsevalnicov 3-0, 4-0
Win Moldova Hugues Onanena 2-0, 5-0
2009 World Championships
Loss United States Tervel Dlagnev 0–1, 0–4 September 21–29, 2009 2009 World Wrestling Championships Denmark Herning, Denmark
Win Kazakhstan Marid Mutalimov 2-0, 1-0
Win Venezuela Yonsi Sánchez 1–0, 1–0
2008 Summer Olympics
Loss Cuba Disney Rodríguez 0–1, 0–4 August 21, 2008 2008 Summer Olympics Denmark Beijing, China
Loss Uzbekistan Artur Taymazov 0-2, 3-4
2007 World Championships
Loss Uzbekistan Artur Taymazov 0–1, 0–4 September 17–23, 2007 2007 World Wrestling Championships Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan
Win Mongolia Ganzorigiin Gankhuyag 3–5, 3–0 F
Win Poland Maksymilian Witek 4–2, 1–0 F

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ali Isaev

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ali Isaev (born Ali Isaevich Isaev on December 18, 1983) is a Russian-Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist competing in the division and a former freestyle wrestler who represented at the . Born in , , , to a Dargin family, Isaev holds and has Azerbaijani heritage, which he has utilized for international competitions and visas. Isaev's athletic career began in , where he achieved significant success at the European level. He won a at the 2008 FILA European Championships and a at the 2009 event, competing in the super-heavyweight category. At the 2008 Olympics, Isaev competed for in the men's freestyle 120 kg event but placed 13th overall. Transitioning to in 2016, he joined promotions like Fight Nights Global and quickly established himself with a foundation in wrestling, training at Krepost Fight Club in . In his MMA career, Isaev maintained an undefeated record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw as of his last bout in 2023, with 4 victories by knockout/TKO and 5 by decision. His most notable achievement came in 2019 when he won the Heavyweight Tournament, capturing the championship and $1 million prize after defeating Kelvin Tiller in the quarterfinals, knocking out top seed Denis Goltsov with one second remaining in the semifinals, and defeating Jared Rosholt in the finals. Isaev later signed with in 2022, where his professional debut ended in a draw against Steve Mowry at in February 2023. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) with a 78-inch reach and weighing around 265 pounds (120 kg), Isaev is known for his wrestling dominance and striking power in the class.

Background

Early life and personal details

Ali Isaev was born on December 18, 1983, in , the capital city of in , to a Dargin family. Raised in this multi-ethnic republic known for its mountainous terrain and diverse cultural traditions, Isaev grew up amid a region where physical discipline and combat sports hold significant communal value. Isaev holds dual citizenship, maintaining Russian nationality by birth while also possessing Azerbaijani citizenship, which he utilized to obtain a visa following his contract signing with . He continues to reside in , , where he remains deeply connected to his roots. Outside of his athletic pursuits, Isaev trains at the Krepost Fight Club in , a facility that serves as a hub for his ongoing physical development and community involvement in combat sports. This environment reflects the broader Dagestani emphasis on resilience and martial training as integral to personal and cultural identity.

Freestyle wrestling career

Isaev, hailing from in , , immersed himself in during his youth, drawing from the region's renowned tradition of producing elite grapplers. Transitioning to international competition, he represented and achieved significant success, including a at the 2008 European Championships in the 120 kg division. Later that year, Isaev competed for at the in , entering the men's freestyle 120 kg event as part of the heavyweight division. Despite his prior European triumph, he placed 17th overall and did not advance to the medal rounds in the highly competitive field. The following year, Isaev earned bronze at the 2009 European Championships in , solidifying his status as a top freestyle wrestler. Isaev maintained an active presence in domestic Russian competitions post-Olympics, notably capturing the title at the prestigious Ali Aliev Tournament in 2014 at 125 kg, defeating strong regional contenders. His amateur career featured consistent performances in Russian national events, contributing to his reputation as a formidable before transitioning to , where his wrestling foundation enhanced his ground control and takedown proficiency.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Ali Isaev transitioned to professional in 2016, drawing on his extensive background to emphasize in his early fight style. After competing as an Olympian in and securing European championships, Isaev adapted his training to incorporate striking and submissions while maintaining his wrestling dominance for takedowns and ground control. This foundation proved effective in regional promotions, where he honed his skills against heavyweight opponents before entering larger leagues. Isaev's MMA debut occurred on April 29, 2016, at Fight Nights Global 46 in , , where he faced fellow debutant Timofey Mishev in a bout. Isaev secured a victory after three five-minute rounds, outwrestling Mishev to control the fight on the ground and avoid significant striking exchanges. This win marked his entry into the professional ranks under the Fight Nights Global promotion, a key Russian MMA organization. Over the next two years, Isaev built momentum with three additional victories in Fight Nights Global events, all against experienced regional s. On October 7, 2016, at Fight Nights Global 53, he defeated Mikhail Kabargin by , again relying on superior to neutralize his opponent's offense over three rounds. His third fight came on February 22, 2018, at Fight Nights Global 83, where he earned a TKO via punches in the second round against Vladimir Daineko, showcasing improved striking integration with his wrestling base. Isaev capped this phase with a highlight-reel of Alexander Gladkov on October 19, 2018, at Fight Nights Global 90, landing a spinning wheel kick followed by punches just 1:36 into the first round. By the end of , Isaev had compiled an undefeated 4-0 record, with three decisions and one knockout, establishing himself as a promising prospect through consistent grappling-heavy performances in Russia's regional scene.

Professional Fighters League tenure

Isaev entered the (PFL) in 2019 as an undefeated prospect with a 4-0 professional MMA record, making his promotional debut at PFL 3 on June 6, 2019, where he defeated Valdrin Istrefi via after three rounds. He followed this with a victory over Carl Seumanutafa in the regular season at PFL 6 on August 9, 2019, securing enough points to advance to the playoffs. In the 2019 PFL Heavyweight Tournament playoffs, Isaev first advanced in the quarterfinals with a unanimous decision win over Kelvin Tiller at PFL 8 on October 11, 2019. He then delivered a dramatic semifinal performance against top-seeded Denis Goltsov at PFL 9 on October 31, 2019, scoring a TKO via punches with only one second remaining in the third round after a resilient comeback from grappling exchanges. Isaev capped the tournament by capturing the 2019 PFL Heavyweight Championship in the final against Jared Rosholt at PFL 10 on December 31, 2019, winning via TKO (punches) in the fourth round at 4:09 and earning the $1 million grand prize. As the defending champion, Isaev was slated to participate in the 2021 PFL season but withdrew from scheduled bouts against Hatef Moeil at PFL 3 on May 6, 2021, and Renan Ferreira at PFL 6 on June 25, 2021, due to medical clearance issues, ultimately not competing that year. His tenure in the PFL concluded after the 2021 season with an undefeated 5-0 record in the promotion. Throughout his PFL run, Isaev's fighting style evolved to prominently feature his background, using superior takedown control and ground-and-pound to dominate opponents and set up finishing opportunities, as evidenced in his playoff knockouts.

Bellator MMA debut and beyond

Isaev signed a multi-fight contract with on September 30, 2022, shortly after his success as the 2019 PFL heavyweight champion. He made his Bellator debut at on February 4, 2023, facing undefeated heavyweight Steve Mowry in . The three-round bout ended in a unanimous draw, with all three judges scoring it 28-28. This outcome ended Isaev's undefeated streak, adjusting his professional record to 9-0-1. Isaev was subsequently booked to face Daniel James at on November 17, 2023, in , but the matchup was removed from the card without specified reasons. Isaev has not competed since his debut, remaining inactive from late 2023 through November 2025, with no reported fights or scheduled bouts during this period. The draw has stood as his lone Bellator result, potentially stalling momentum in the division amid the promotion's transition under PFL ownership.

Professional achievements

Championships and accomplishments

  • 2019 PFL Heavyweight Tournament Champion: Isaev won the Professional Fighters League heavyweight tournament by defeating Jared Rosholt via TKO in the finals.
  • 2009 European Freestyle Wrestling Champion: Representing Azerbaijan, Isaev claimed the gold medal in the 120 kg category at the FILA European Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania.
  • 2008 European Freestyle Wrestling Championships Bronze Medalist: Isaev earned a bronze medal in the 120 kg freestyle category at the championships held in Tampere, Finland.
  • 2008 Summer Olympics Participant: Isaev competed for Azerbaijan in the men's freestyle super-heavyweight (120 kg) division at the Beijing Olympics, finishing in 13th place.
  • 9-fight undefeated streak in MMA (2016–2023): Prior to a draw in 2023, Isaev maintained an unblemished professional MMA record of 9–0, highlighted by his PFL tournament success.

Mixed martial arts record

Ali Isaev's professional record stands at 9–0–1 (4 KO/TKO, 5 decision), encompassing 10 professional bouts as of November 2025.
ResultRecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocation
Win1–0Timofey MishevDecision (unanimous)Fight Nights Global 46April 29, 201635:00,
Win2–0Mikhail KabarginDecision (unanimous)EFN - Fight Nights Global 53October 7, 201635:00,
Win3–0Vladimir DainekoTKO (punches)FNG - Fight Nights Global 83February 22, 201820:40,
Win4–0Alexander GladkovKO (spinning wheel kick and punches)Fight Nights Global 90October 19, 201811:36,
Win5–0Nikita RozhnovDecision (unanimous)Cup of 2019February 17, 201935:00,
Win6–0Valdrin IstrefiDecision (unanimous)PFL 1: 2019 Regular SeasonMay 11, 201935:00, U.S.
Win7–0Carl SeumanutafaDecision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)PFL 6: 2019 Regular SeasonAugust 9, 201935:00, U.S.
Win8–0Denis GoltsovTKO (punches)PFL 7: 2019 PlayoffsOctober 11, 201934:59, , U.S.
Win9–0Jared RosholtTKO (punches)PFL 2019 ChampionshipsDecember 31, 201944:09, New York, U.S.
Draw9–0–1Steve MowryDraw (unanimous) (28–28, 28–28, 28–28)February 4, 202335:00, U.S.
A bout against Daniel James, scheduled for November 17, 2023, at in , , was cancelled and does not count toward Isaev's official record. No professional MMA fights for Isaev are recorded in 2024 or 2025.

Freestyle wrestling record

Ali Isaev's amateur career in the heavyweight division (primarily 120 kg) spanned the late , during which he represented and achieved notable success in European and international competitions. His performances highlighted his technical prowess and competitive edge against top global talent, contributing to his transition into where his foundation proved instrumental. The following table summarizes Isaev's key results in major tournaments:
TournamentYearWeight ClassPlacementCitation
European Wrestling Championships (Tampere, )2008120 kgBronze
Summer Olympics (Beijing, China)2008120 kg13th
(Vilnius, )2009120 kgGold
Freestyle World Cup (Tehran, )2009120 kgSilver
Ali Aliev Tournament (, )2014125 kgGold
Isaev's medal count includes one gold and one bronze from European Championships, underscoring his status as a prominent figure in the sport before retiring from amateur competition around 2016.

References

  1. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ali-Isaev-222567
  2. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/ali-isayev
  3. https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/talent-roster/ali-isaev/
  4. https://www.mmamania.com/2022/10/5/23389771/bellator-signs-former-olympian-undefeated-heavyweight-ali-isaev-espn-mma
  5. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/130712-ali-isaev
  6. https://pflmma.com/regular-fighter/ali-isaev
  7. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/4295763/ali-isaev
  8. https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/a-breeding-ground-fighters-where-khabib-from
  9. https://athletistic.com/boxing/168746.html
  10. https://www.tapology.com/gyms/1030-krepost-fight-club
  11. https://uww.org/article/gebekov-wins-2nd-ali-aliev-crown-russia-takes-7-8-titles
  12. https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/9/30/23381182/undefeated-pfl-heavyweight-champion-ali-isaev-signs-with-bellator-mma
  13. https://uww.org/article/russians-crowd-mens-freestyle-rankings-after-successful-ali-aliev-tourney
  14. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/347346-fight-nights-global-83-ali-isaev-vs-vladimir-daineko
  15. https://pflmma.com/videos/ali-isaev-knocks-out-denis-goltsov-at-the-final-bell-inside-the-knockout-ep-4
  16. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/6/17/22538498/pfl-6-lineup-revised-defending-heavyweight-champion-ali-isaev-out
  17. https://pflmma.com/fighter/ali-isaev
  18. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/4/23579698/bellator-290s-steve-mowry-reacts-francis-ngannou-free-agency-promises-violent-performance-ali-isaev
  19. https://mmadecisions.com/decision/13740/Ali-Isaev-vs-Steve-Mowry
  20. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-301-Loses-Juliana-Velasquez-vs-Paula-Cristina-Daniel-James-vs-Ali-Isaev-191712
  21. https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/13/23959844/bellator-301-loses-two-fights-on-the-same-day-velasquez-james-pitbull-mckee-amosov-mma
  22. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/117128
  23. https://www.[sherdog](/page/Sherdog).com/fighter/Ali-Isaev-222567
  24. https://www.themat.com/news/2009/july/17/usa-to-battle-azerbaijan-in-fr-20573
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