Azamat Bekoev


Azamat Ruslanovich Bekoev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Bekoev is a former LFA Middleweight Champion.

Professional career

Early career

Bekoev made his professional debut on September 27, 2015. He took on two fighters that night as part of the MPF Moscow Rumble Open Cup. His first opponent of the night was Alexander Markosyan, whom he would beat via submission in the first round. His next opponent was Alexey Maslov, whom he would also beat via a first round submission.

Absolute Championship Berkut

His next fight would come over a year later for Russian promotion Absolute Championship Berkut. He faced fellow countryman Dzhabrail Yasaev. Bekoev would win the fight via submission in the third round.

Return to regionals

After a nine month layoff, Bekoev would return in a bout against Ramazan Magomedov. Bekoev would win the fight via yet another submission, this time in the third round.
He would return two months later, where he would yet again have two fights in one night. His first opponent was Iran's Mustafaliatif Muhammadi. Bekoev would win via knockout fifteen seconds into the first round. His next opponent was Azerbaijan's Sarkhan Garaev whom he would also defeat via a first round knockout.

Return to Absolute Championship Berkut

After a nine month hiatus, Bekoev would return against Amirkhan Kukaev. Bekoev would win the fight via submission in the second round.
He would return six months later against Elshad Guseynov. He would win via a second round submission.
Two months later, he would take on Magomedrasul Gasanov. Bekoev would unfortunately lose the fight via a Split Decision, and thus suffering his first defeat.
He would return three months later in a bout against Armenia's Mikhail Allakhverdian. Bekoev would win via a Unanimous Decision.

Return to regionals

After a nine month hiatus, Bekoev would return against Cameroon's Mbazou Nana. Bekoev would win via a first round TKO.

Absolute Championship Akhmat

Bekoev would return to now rebranded Absolute Championship Akhmat ten months after his last fight. He faced Araz Mamedov, whom he defeated via a first round TKO.
He would return two months later against Ibragim Magomedov. Bekoev would lose this fight via a Split Decision, thus suffering his second career defeat.
His next fight would come four months later against Chris Honeycutt. Bekoev would win via submission in the second round.
He would return five months later in a bout against Poland's Rafał Haratyk. Bekoev would lose this fight via submission in the third round. This would also mark his last fight in the promotion.

International fights

Bekoev would return two months later in a bout against Maksim Myalkin, whom he would beat via a first round submission.
After an eleven month hiatus, Bekoev would return in a bout against Iran's Behnam Salimi. Bekoev would win via a first round TKO.

Legacy Fighting Alliance

Four months later, Bekoev would make his debut with American based promotion Legacy Fighting Alliance. He would take on Brazil's Renato Valente. Bekoev would win via Unanimous Decision.

LFA Middleweight Champion

His next fight came four months later where he took on Dylan Budka for the interim LFA Middleweight Championship. Bekoev would win the fight via a Split Decision.
After a six month layoff, he would return to take on lineal champion Lucas Fernando. Bekoev would win via a Unanimous Decision and thus winning the undisputed title.
His first title defense came six months later, when he faced Chauncey Foxworth. Bekoev would successfully defend his title via a second round knockout.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bekoev would make his UFC debut on short notice against Zachary Reese on the undercard of UFC 311, after Reese's original opponent, Sedriques Dumas pulled out during fight week. Bekoev would go on to win the fight via a first round TKO, and thus successfully winning his UFC debut match.
His next fight would come four months later, when he took on Ryan Loder. Bekoev would win the fight via yet another first round TKO, and this time, he earned himself a Performance of the Night bonus.
Bekoev was scheduled to face Torrez Finney on August 2, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 71. However, Finney withdrew from the fight for unknown reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Yousri Belgaroui. In turn, as a result of Belgaroui not being able to get a visa in time, the bout was postponed to UFC Fight Night 262 which took lace on October 18, 2025. Bekoev lost the fight by technical knockout in the third round.
Bekoev is scheduled to face Tresean Gore on April 4, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 272.

Championships and accomplishments