Omari Akhmedov Biography: Rising From Dagestan to the PFL Cage

In the world of combat sports, MMA fighters have been raising the bar with their undeniable sportsmanship and skills. Omari Akhmedov, a Russian professional MMA fighter, came from a small Russian town and evolved into a promising fighter.

With over a decade of experience inside the Octagon ring, Omari Akhmedov biography is a testament to his sheer dedication and hard work. It is athletes like Akhmedov who play a pivotal role in making the sport a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, as the sport continues to evolve, new talents emerge from all corners of the globe.

Earthly Roots from the Land of Mountains

If you are familiar with the Eastern Republican region called Dagestan in Russia, then you know how rich the place is in natural resources. But Dagestan is famous for one more thing: some of the most formidable MMA fighters came from Dagestan, including Khabib Nurmagomdeov and his cousin Islam Makhachev.

Omari Akhmedov was born on October 12, 1987, in Dagestan, Russia, to a Lak family, who are basically a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group. The family are devoted Sunni Muslims who speak the Lak language.

Omari Akhmedov Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

Growing up, Akhmedov helped his parents in the family business. However, he had a dream of pursuing a MMA career in his adult years. Wrestling is deeply rooted in Dagestani culture, and it’s no surprise that Akhmedov’s journey began on the wrestling mats of his village. Later, he achieved numerous titles during his local amateur wrestling career in Russia.

Akhmedov completed high school and graduated college from the Dagestan State Institute of National Economy. The mountain boy refined his combat skills at local Dagestani gyms and learned wrestling, striking, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. At 22, he began his professional fighting career in 2009 and made his MMA debut. A second Dan MMA and black belt fighter, Omari won the titles of International Master of Sports in hand-to-hand combat and sambo.

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Prior To UFC: Life of Russian Combat Champion

After turning professional in 2010, Omari Akhmedov made his MMA debut on January 30, 2010, against Armenian fighter Iskhan Zakharian. They competed in a middleweight tournament at ProFC: Fight Night 2. Omari won the bout with rear naked choke submission.

Winning his debut match, Akhmedov became unstoppable in his second fight against Magomed Umarov on July 9, 2010, at Pankration Black Sea Cup. Similarly, Omari logged a professional MMA record of 12-1 during his three seasons from 2010 until 2013 in Russia. The only time he lost a bout in his homecountry was against Michail Tsarev at ProFC: Russia Cup Stage 2 in November 2010.

Omari Akhmedov Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

Omari Akhmedov’s wealth from fighting in Russia was no more than $30,000. Therefore, he wanted to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship and start a new chapter. However, he did become a two-time Russian champion in pankration hand-to-hand combat. Also, he was a Dagestan Combat Sambo Champion during his amateur wrestling competition. Did you know? Omari is a world champion titleholder in the amateur MMA “Mix Fight” version. While the fighter boasts a successful career, Omari Akhmedov is not yet married. Yes, the man in his middle 30s is yet to have a wife.

Signing UFC: Omari Akhmedov Rise To Prominence

Just after three years of amateur wrestling, Omari Akhmedov signed with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013. He made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 32 against Thiago de Oliveira Perpetuo, which was held on November 9, 2013, in Brazil.

For those who regularly follow UFC and its events, you might know the debutant fighters are signed with a contract worth $12,000. If they win their debut fight, then they receive double the amount, which is $24,000.

Table Source: Espn

Omari won his debut UFC fight against Perpetuo, and the two fighters received $50,000 bonuses after earning the Fight of the Night title for their exciting middleweight broil. Akhmedov further made an immediate impact on the UFC’s middleweight division.

Throughout his career, Omari won bouts against notable fighters Ian Heinisch, Tim Boetsch, and Zak Cummings, among others. Besides prize money, Omari earned several bonus earnings. However, the Dagestani native parted ways with UFC in July 2021 after losing to American MMA fighter Brad Tavares at UFC 264 in Las Vegas. Here, take a look at Akhmedov’s record during his eight years of UFC career.

Table Source: Espn

Beyond his fighting career, Omari Akhmedov is known for his humility and respect for opponents. He often expresses gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given and the support from his family and fans.

Similarly, you might want to read about UFC fighter Miesha Tate‘s Net Worth.

PFL Journey: What is Omari Akhmedov Net Worth?

Omari Akhmedov joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2021 and made his debut against Jordan Young on October 27, 2021, at PFL 10, held in Florida. In the PFL, fighters compete for a $1 million prize if they make it to and win the finals.

On June 17, 2023, Omari won the fight against Teodoras Aukstuolis via technical submission in the PFL 4 tournament that was held in Atlanta, Georgia. He received $206,000 in prize money, with $103,000 for his appearance.

Omari Akhmedov Biography. Image Credit: Instagram.

Omari Akhmedov net worth is $3 million, and the former UFC fighter earned over $800,000 from his contract salaries and paychecks each time he stepped inside the Octagon. As per reports, the minimum earnings UFC fighters get is between $10,000-$30,000, and the highest earnings are reported as between $500,000 and $3,000,000 per fight.

On November 25, 2022, Omar Akhmedov faced Rob Wilkinson, and the pay-per-view main card event premiered at Hulu Theater from Madison Square Garden, New York City. In a YouTube interview, Omari revealed his plan to open a coffee shop in Florida if he would win the $1 million prize money. Unfortunately, the fighter’s dream was shattered after he lost the bout.

Table Source: Espn

From grappling in the wrestling mats to knocking out opponents inside the Octagon ring, Omari Akhmedov biography is a testament to his immeasurable willpower and work ethic. His story is a shining example that there are talents around the world. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await his future endeavors in the cage.