Saparbek Safarov

Saparbek Safarov is a Russian mixed martial artist who emerged from a strong amateur pedigree as a Russian Combat Sambo champion and European Pankration Champion. Turning professional in 2010, he brought legitimate grappling credentials and hand-to-hand combat experience to the UFC octagon, making his promotional debut in December 2016. His early run in the organization was impressive: an undefeated 8-0 start featuring six knockout victories and two submission wins, built on heavy striking power and a wrestling foundation honed through sambo training.

Safarov's style centers on his overhand right and the ability to land significant strikes efficiently from the clinch and ground. However, his record against elite UFC competition tells a different story. Losses to Gian Villante, Tyson Pedro (via kimura submission), and Rodolfo Vieira (via arm-triangle submission) exposed gaps against more refined grapplers and revealed limitations in his defensive wrestling. A sole decision victory over Nicolae Negumereanu in March 2019 provided brief respite, but the momentum did not last. Multiple fight cancellations, weight cut issues, and travel complications in 2020 further complicated his tenure, leading to his release from the promotion in December 2020.

While Safarov's sambo and wrestling pedigree mark him as a technically accomplished fighter, his UFC career ultimately reflects the steep climb facing international heavyweights when they face the organization's most skilled competitors. His record stands at 9-3-0 in professional MMA, anchored by that hot 8-0 start but tempered by struggles in the later stages of his octagon run.