For years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has been dominated by fighters from traditional powerhouses like Brazil, the United States, Ireland, and Australia. Legends such as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Robert Whittaker have cemented their legacies as some of the sport’s greatest athletes. However, the landscape of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is shifting, and a new wave of dominance is emerging from an unexpected region: the Caucasus.

Fighters from Dagestan, Georgia, Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Armenia are not only breaking into the UFC—they are taking over. With elite wrestling backgrounds, an unmatched work ethic, and a relentless will to win, these athletes have quickly become some of the most feared competitors in the sport. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of Caucasus fighters, their unique fighting styles, and why the MMA world is now looking toward this region as the new epicenter of UFC dominance.

The Caucasus: A Breeding Ground for Warriors

The Caucasus region, located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, has long been known for producing some of the toughest combat athletes in the world. Wrestling, sambo, and judo are deeply ingrained in the culture, with many young boys beginning their training at an early age. Unlike many Western fighters who come from striking or general MMA backgrounds, Caucasus fighters enter the sport with elite grappling skills, giving them an advantage over many of their opponents.

Dagestan: The Heart of Wrestling Excellence

Dagestan, a republic of Russia, has become synonymous with wrestling supremacy. The region has produced Olympic-level wrestlers and Sambo world champions, many of whom have transitioned into MMA with devastating results.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Trailblazer

Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) is arguably the greatest lightweight in UFC history. His suffocating wrestling style, combined with his ability to control opponents, revolutionized the sport. Under the guidance of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib paved the way for future Dagestani fighters, proving that wrestling dominance could lead to UFC gold.

Islam Makhachev: The Next Great Champion

A protégé and longtime training partner of Khabib, Islam Makhachev has continued the Dagestani dominance in the lightweight division. His sambo-based style and improved striking have made him a well-rounded champion, capable of subduing even the best strikers in the world.

Magomed Ankalaev: The Light Heavyweight Contender

In the light heavyweight division, Dagestan’s Magomed Ankalaev is making a strong push for UFC gold. His well-rounded skill set, featuring powerful wrestling and precise striking, has made him a top contender in one of the UFC’s toughest divisions.

Georgia: A Surge of UFC Champions

While Dagestan is best known for producing elite grapplers, Georgia has emerged as a powerhouse in both striking and wrestling.

Ilia Topuria: The Featherweight Sensation

Ilia Topuria shocked the world when he defeated Alexander Volkanovski to become the UFC Featherweight Champion. With a perfect mix of boxing, wrestling, and BJJ, Topuria is seen as the future of the division and one of the UFC’s most exciting young champions.

Merab Dvalishvili: The Relentless Bantamweight

If there’s one word to describe Merab Dvalishvili, it’s relentless. The Georgian bantamweight never stops moving, never stops wrestling, and never lets his opponents breathe. His high-pressure fighting style helped him defeat Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, claiming the UFC Bantamweight Championship.

Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Armenia: The Emerging Forces

Beyond Dagestan and Georgia, other regions in the Caucasus are also producing UFC-caliber fighters.

Khamzat Chimaev (Chechnya)

While Khamzat Chimaev represents Sweden in the UFC, he was born in Chechnya and trained in Dagestani-style wrestling. Chimaev’s rapid rise in the UFC, coupled with his dominant wrestling and powerful striking, has made him one of the most feared fighters in multiple weight classes.

Movsar Evloev (Ingushetia)

Undefeated in professional MMA, Movsar Evloev is a technical striker and elite wrestler, making him a rising star in the featherweight division. With an impressive ability to control fights and avoid damage, Evloev could soon be in line for a title shot.

Arman Tsarukyan (Armenia)

A lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan has showcased one of the most well-rounded games in the division. His grappling exchanges with Islam Makhachev in their first fight proved that he belongs among the division’s elite.

What Makes Fighters from the Caucasus So Dominant?

The rise of Caucasus fighters in the UFC is no coincidence. Several key factors contribute to their unmatched success.

1. A Deep Wrestling Tradition

Unlike many Western fighters who develop striking before wrestling, Caucasus fighters master grappling from a young age. Their background in freestyle wrestling, sambo, and judo gives them a foundation that many UFC fighters struggle to counter.

2. The Hardship Mentality

Life in the Caucasus region is not easy. Many of these fighters grew up in harsh conditions, training in difficult environments with little resources. This mental and physical toughness translates directly into their ability to endure grueling fights and push past adversity.

3. Elite Training Camps

With the rise of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training camp, AKA (American Kickboxing Academy), and Tiger Muay Thai, Caucasus fighters now have access to world-class coaching and facilities, refining their skills to compete at the highest level.

4. A Relentless Fighting Style

Caucasus fighters are known for never backing down. Their approach to MMA is high-pressure, suffocating, and relentless. Whether it’s Islam Makhachev’s grappling dominance, Ilia Topuria’s aggressive striking, or Merab Dvalishvili’s insane cardio, these fighters push the pace in every fight.

The Future of UFC: Will the Caucasus Continue to Dominate?

With the current crop of champions and contenders, it’s clear that the future of the UFC belongs to fighters from the Caucasus.

Islam Makhachev could become one of the greatest lightweights of all time if he continues his reign.
Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili could defend their belts for years to come.
Magomed Ankalaev and Khamzat Chimaev could soon hold titles in their respective weight classes.

The dominance of the Caucasus region has changed the game. Fighters from Brazil, the U.S., and Europe must now adapt their training and strategies to compete with these grappling-heavy warriors.

Final Thoughts: A New Era in the UFC

The rise of fighters from Dagestan, Georgia, Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Armenia marks a new era in MMA. No longer are Brazilian jiu-jitsu or American wrestling the gold standards—Dagestani sambo and Caucasus wrestling are now the dominant styles in the UFC.

With their ironclad mental toughness, elite grappling skills, and relentless work ethic, Caucasus fighters have set a new benchmark for excellence in MMA.

The question is no longer whether the Caucasus will dominate the UFC—but rather, how long will their reign last?