Why The New Generation Really Label Russian Fighters As Wrestlers

At UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev secured the Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. His victory wasn’t just a career milestone; it also reinforced the ongoing perception in MMA that Russian fighters are synonymous with dominant wrestling. This belief, while not entirely wrong, has been shaped by the sheer number of grappling-heavy athletes emerging from Russia, particularly from regions like Dagestan. However, it’s worth noting that Ankalaev himself is not actually a grappler. Factually, he is more of a striker, known for his precise counterpunching and knockout power rather than relentless wrestling. Yet, because of the association with other Russian fighters, even someone like him gets labeled as a wrestler.

The roots of this association run deep. Russia has a long-standing history in combat sports, particularly in wrestling, with multiple Olympic and world champions in freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines. Fighters from Dagestan, in particular, grow up in an environment where wrestling isn’t just a sport but a way of life. They start training as children, competing in high-level tournaments long before transitioning to MMA. The result is a generation of athletes with elite grappling skills that seamlessly translate into the octagon.

Magomed Ankalaev’s rise is a prime example of how perception can overshadow reality. While he has a background in combat sambo, which combines judo and wrestling, he primarily utilizes striking to dismantle his opponents. His technical striking and knockout ability have been on display throughout his UFC career, yet he still gets grouped in with grappling-heavy Russian fighters. This approach has become a signature of Russian fighters in the UFC, reinforcing the stereotype that they are all grapplers at heart.

However, not all Russian fighters rely solely on wrestling. Zabit Magomedsharipov was one of the most electrifying fighters to come out of Dagestan, but his style was a stark contrast to the traditional grinding, suffocating wrestling approach. His flashy striking, unorthodox kicks, and creative submissions made him a fan favorite and showed that Russian fighters weren’t limited to one discipline. Despite his ability to out-wrestle most opponents, Zabit often chose to stand and trade, proving that the next wave of Russian fighters could be just as dangerous on the feet as they were on the ground.

Anatoly Malykhin is another example, showcasing devastating knockout power and a more boxing-heavy approach. Yet, the stereotype persists because of how consistently successful wrestling-based fighters have been. When a Russian fighter steps into the octagon, fans and opponents alike assume they will shoot for takedowns, control the fight on the ground, and dictate the pace. Even when they have striking ability, the reputation of their countrymen often precedes them, creating a psychological edge before the fight even begins.

This dominance has influenced the new generation of fighters worldwide. Training camps have shifted focus, incorporating more wrestling into their regimens to prepare for the Russian wave. Fighters now understand that without a solid takedown defense, they’ll struggle against the relentless grappling pressure these athletes bring.

The label of “Russian wrestler” isn’t just a stereotype; it’s a reflection of a combat culture that has consistently produced some of the most dominant grapplers in MMA. While future Russian champions may come with different styles, the legacy of their predecessors ensures that, for now, the world will continue to see them as wrestlers first.