Aleksandr Maslov
29 | 6’2” | Muravlenko, Russia | 9-1 | 7 Finishes | 7 KO/TKOs | Combined Opponents’ Record: 82-34 | Best Win – Luis Henrique (13-9)
Maslov was on my list last year but didn’t fight at all. He’s still on a nice six-fight win streak and has been getting tested over there in Russia. Over the years, he’s beat journeyman Yuriy Protzenko, Wallyson Carvalho (who was a good prospect at the time), plus former UFC fighters Cody East, Luis Henrique, and Vinicius Moreira.
Maslov is a dangerous, athletic striker who has a lot of pop behind his punches. He’s also very fast with his output and overall has good hands with a key uppercut he loves to throw. His takedown defense is a concern but age is on his side and he’s been fighting good solid fighters. Maslov hasn’t fought anyone with a losing record to date which is pretty crazy at heavyweight.
The Russian heavyweight is gunning for a big year in 2023, telling Cageside Press that “I have not competed for nine months because I was injured. I recovered from the injury, but I could not organize a training camp for myself in the future! But I do not despair and I will go to the end, now I will earn money for a sports camp myself and I will do a couple of fights in 2023 to be ready for the UFC in 2024 at the latest!!!”
