10 Light Heavyweight Prospects the UFC Should Sign in 2022

Shamil “Erdogan” Akhmedov

30 | 6’2″ | Moscow, Russia | 8-0 | 4 finishes | 3 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission (RNC) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 47-18 | Best Win – Leonardo Silva (10-1) 

Akhmedov made his return to MMA last year off a three-year absence from the sport. That resulted in two big wins in 2021, with Akhmedov stopping both his opponents inside two rounds. Akhmedov has a background as a wrestler as he was a former national team freestyle wrestler.

In addition to ever-improving skills on the feet, Akhmedov’s wrestling is a huge part of his undefeated record. Along with a strong wrestling base, his active ground and pound is a big factor to his success. Of all the prospects Russia holds Akhmedov flies massively under the radar. With that said, at 205 the UFC could have their eyes on him.