Mikhail Zayats

Mikhail Vladimirovich Zayats is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist who competed in Bellator's Light Heavyweight division as well as M-1 Global.

Mixed martial arts career

Mikhail Zayats defeated powerful Georgian wrestler David Tkeshelashvili by rear-naked choke submission at 2:26 in the first round.
Zayats faced Malik Merad on April 28, 2011, at М-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Enomoto. He won via TKO in the second round.
Zayats faced Vinny Magalhães on October 14, 2011, at М-1 Challenge XXVII: Garner vs. Grishin for the [M-1 Global#List of champions|M-1 Global Light Heavyweight Championship]. He lost via TKO in the third round.

Zayats was signed in Bellator and will perform on Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Eight Light Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round in 2013 on Spike TV.
In his Bellator debut, Zayats faced Brazilian MMA legend and former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Renato Sobral in the Light Jeavyweight Yournament on January 17, 2013, at Bellator 85. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
In the semifinal, Zayats faced Jacob Noe. This fight is expected to occur on February 21, 2013, at Bellator 90. He won the fight in dominant fashion, ending it with an armbar submission in the first round.
Zayats faced Emanuel Newton on March 28, 2013, in Bellator Season Eight Light Heavyweight Tournament at Bellator 94. He lost via unanimous decision. Post-fight, Zayats confirmed that he suffered a rib injury just days before the fight. The injury would keep him out of the upcoming Bellator Summer Series.
Zayats faced Aaron Rosa on October 11, 2013, at Bellator 103. He won the fight via Kimura submission.
Zayats entered into the Bellator season ten Light Heavyweight tournament on February 28, 2014. He faced Muhammed Lawal in the semifinals at Bellator 110 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.