Timur Valiev

Timur Valiev is a 33-year-old Russian striker out of Makhachkala who turned pro in 2010 after training in pankration, kickboxing, and Wushu Sanda from his teenage years. Before entering the UFC, he fought in regional promotions and the PFL, building a reputation as a finisher with five knockout wins on his 18-3 record. His arrival in the octagon in August 2020 was rocky: his first fight against Trevin Jones ended in a second-round TKO, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturned the result to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for marijuana post-fight, giving Valiev a fresh start.

Over the next year and a half, Valiev proved himself a dangerous striking threat, recording unanimous decisions over Martin Day and Raoni Barcelos. The Barcelos fight became his signature moment: knocked down twice in the second round, he dug deep to edge out a majority decision that earned the night's Fight of the Night bonus and showcased his willingness to stand and trade despite adversity. His fighting style is pure aggression from the opening bell, landing 5.19 significant strikes per minute at distance while rarely relying on takedowns (56% TD defense). He possesses five first-round finishes and has won twice by submission (rear-naked choke, armbar), rounding out his 5-2 finishing record.

A unanimous decision loss to Jack Shore in March 2022 ended his UFC run, and he was released three months later. He competed on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023, winning a catchweight bout against Trevor Wells before losing a split decision in the semi-finals to Brad Katona. Valiev has since signed with Absolute Championship Akhmat and continues fighting, remaining active at 33 with the scrappy, strike-heavy approach that has defined his career.