Mariya Agapova


Mariya Agapova is a Kazakhstani mixed martial artist who competed in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She is currently signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

Background

Agapova started training martial arts around the age of eight in order to learn to defend herself. She graduated from college specializing in physical education for kids.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Agapova fought her early MMA career exclusively in Russia, China and Kazakhstan. She amassed an undefeated record of 6–0 prior to debuting on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series.

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

Agapova appeared at Dana White's Contender Series 22 on July 30, 2019, facing Tracy Cortez. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Invicta Fighting Championships

Agapova made her Invicta Fighting Championships debut on September 6, 2019 against Alexa Conners at Invicta FC: Phoenix Series 2. She won the fight via a submission in round one.
Agapova next faced Marilia Santos on October 6, 2019 at Invicta FC 37: Gonzalez vs. Sanchez. She won the fight via technical knockout in round one. This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.
Agapova was scheduled to face Daiana Torquato on February 7, 2020 at Invicta FC 39: Frey vs. Cummins II. However, Agapova collided with a car when she was on her way to train at the ATT and had to withdraw from the bout.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Agapova signed with the UFC in February 2020. She made her debut against Hannah Cifers on June 13, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo. After dropping Cifers with a head kick, Agapova won the bout via first round submission. This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.
Agapova faced Shana Dobson on August 22, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 15. She lost the fight via second round TKO, coming on the receiving end of the largest betting odds upset in UFC women's history.
Agapova faced Sabina Mazo on October 9, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 194. She won the fight via rear-naked choke after knocking Mazo down in round three. This fight earned her the Performance of the Night award.
Agapova faced Maryna Moroz on March 5, 2022 at UFC 272. She lost the fight via a submission in round two.
Agapova was scheduled to face Ji Yeon Kim at UFC 277 on July 9, 2022. However, Agapova was forced out of the fight due to knee injury and she was replaced by Joselyne Edwards.
Agapova faced Gillian Robertson, replacing Melissa Gatto, on September 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 210. She lost the fight via rear-naked choke.
Agapova faced Luana Santos on July 13, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 59. She lost the fight by a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
On July 31, 2024, it was reported that Agapova was removed from the UFC roster.

Professional grappling career

Agapova competed against Helena Crevar at Pit Submission Series 5 on May 30, 2024. She lost the match by submission with a heel hook.

Bare-knuckle boxing

On August 27, 2024, it was reported that Agapova had signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Agapova made her Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut against Jessica Eye on June 21, 2025 at BKFC 76. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
2Loss0–1–1