Azamat Bekoev
{{short description|Russian mixed martial artist (born 1995)}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Azamat Bekoev
| image =
| image_size =
| other_names = King Pin
| native_name = Азамат Русланович Бекоев
| birth_name = Azamat Ruslanovich Bekoev
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|12|30}}
| birth_place = Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, Russia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality =
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
| weight_lb = 185
| weight_class = {{plainlist|
- Middleweight (2015–present)
}}
| reach = 72 in
| style = Mixed Martial Arts
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = Vladikavkaz, Russia
| team = American Top Team
| rank =
| years_active = 2015–present
| kickbox_win =
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_loss =
| kickbox_koloss =
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_kowin = 8
| mma_subwin = 8
| mma_decwin = 4
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 2
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| sherdog = 231875
| footnotes =
| updated =
|medaltemplates =
}}
Azamat Ruslanovich Bekoev (Russian: Азамат Русланович Бекоев) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Bekoev is a former LFA Middleweight Champion.
Professional career
=Early career=
Bekoev made his professional debut on September 27, 2015. He took on two fighters that night as part of the MPF Moscow Rumble Open Cup. His first opponent of the night was Alexander Markosyan, whom he would beat via submission in the first round. His next opponent was Alexey Maslov, whom he would also beat via a first round submission.{{Cite web|date=2015-09-27 |title=MPF - Moscow Rumble Open Cup 5 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/MPF-Moscow-Rumble-Open-Cup-5-83413 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
=Absolute Championship Berkut=
His next fight would come over a year later for Russian promotion Absolute Championship Berkut. He faced fellow countryman Dzhabrail Yasaev. Bekoev would win the fight via submission in the third round.{{Cite web|date=2016-08-10 |title=ACB 42 - Young Eagles 11 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/ACB-42-Young-Eagles-11-53659 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
=Return to regionals=
After a nine month layoff, Bekoev would return in a bout against Ramazan Magomedov. Bekoev would win the fight via yet another submission, this time in the third round.{{Cite web|date=2017-05-20 |title=Past Events Counterattack-9: International Championship 2017 |url=https://www.fightmatrix.com/event/Counterattack-9%3A%20International%20Championshi.../198854/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Fight Matrix}}
He would return two months later, where he would yet again have two fights in one night. His first opponent was Iran's Mustafaliatif Muhammadi. Bekoev would win via knockout fifteen seconds into the first round. His next opponent was Azerbaijan's Sarkhan Garaev whom he would also defeat via a first round knockout.{{Cite web|date=2017-07-30 |title=Legion Fighting Championship Universal Battle Among Professional |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Legion-Fighting-Championship-Universal-Battle-Among-Professional-83911 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
=Return to Absolute Championship Berkut=
After a nine month hiatus, Bekoev would return against Amirkhan Kukaev. Bekoev would win the fight via submission in the second round.{{Cite web|date=2018-04-22 |title=2018 Berkut Young Eagles Grand Prix: Opening Round 3 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/BYE-3-2018-Berkut-Young-Eagles-Grand-Prix-Opening-Round-3-67123 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
He would return six months later against Elshad Guseynov. He would win via a second round submission.{{Cite web|date=2018-10-27 |title=2018 Berkut Young Eagles Grand Prix: Quarterfinals 2 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/BYE-6-2018-Berkut-Young-Eagles-Grand-Prix-Quarterfinals-2-69021 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
Two months later, he would take on Magomedrasul Gasanov. Bekoev would unfortunately lose the fight via a Split Decision, and thus suffering his first defeat.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-22 |title=2018 Berkut Young Eagles Grand Prix Semifinals |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/BYE-7-2018-Berkut-Young-Eagles-Grand-Prix-Semifinals-72251 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
He would return three months later in a bout against Armenia's Mikhail Allakhverdian. Bekoev would win via a Unanimous Decision.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-23 |title=Berkut Young Eagles: Grand-Prix Berkut Finals |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/BYE-8-Berkut-Young-Eagles-GrandPrix-Berkut-Finals-74921 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sherdog}}
=Return to regionals=
After a nine month hiatus, Bekoev would return against Cameroon's Mbazou Nana. Bekoev would win via a first round TKO.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-22 |title=UMMA - Alania Battle |url=https://www.nextknockout.com/events/umma-alania-battle-146048 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Next Knockout}}
=Absolute Championship Akhmat=
Bekoev would return to now rebranded Absolute Championship Akhmat ten months after his last fight. He faced Araz Mamedov, whom he defeated via a first round TKO.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-05 |title=ACA 110: Bagov vs Abdulaev – results |url=https://www.aca-mma.com/en/news/aca-110-bagov-vs-abdulaev-results-emrtPQTY_1027 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=ACA}}
He would return two months later against Ibragim Magomedov. Bekoev would lose this fight via a Split Decision, thus suffering his second career defeat.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-18 |title=ACA 116: Balaev vs Froes – Results |url=https://www.aca-mma.com/en/news/aca-116-balaev-vs-froes-results-afgvCFT5_1055 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=ACA}}
His next fight would come four months later against Chris Honeycutt. Bekoev would win via submission in the second round.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-23 |title=ACA 122: Johnson vs Poberezhets - Results |url=https://www.aca-mma.com/en/news/aca-122-johnson-vs-poberezhets-results-alDHLSY6_1085 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=ACA}}
He would return five months later in a bout against Poland's Rafał Haratyk. Bekoev would lose this fight via submission in the third round. This would also mark his last fight in the promotion.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-12 |title=ACA 128: Goncharov vs Omielanczuk - Results |url=https://www.aca-mma.com/en/news/aca-128-goncharov-vs-omielanczuk-results-dvxKMU36_1109 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=ACA}}
=International fights=
Bekoev would return two months later in a bout against Maksim Myalkin, whom he would beat via a first round submission.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-06 |title=UZBMMAA: International Murod Khanturaev Memorial Tournament |url=https://www.fights.cz/udalosti/uzbmmaa-international-murod-khanturaev-memorial-tournament-160592 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Fights.CZ |language=cs-CS}}
After an eleven month hiatus, Bekoev would return in a bout against Iran's Behnam Salimi. Bekoev would win via a first round TKO.{{Cite web|date=2022-11-21 |title=Octagon League 36 MMA Event Results |url=https://combatreg.com/events/Octagon-League-36:921a035d-1fb3-4109-880b-dfac4f19ed85 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Combat Registry}}
=Legacy Fighting Alliance=
Four months later, Bekoev would make his debut with American based promotion Legacy Fighting Alliance. He would take on Brazil's Renato Valente. Bekoev would win via Unanimous Decision.{{Cite web|date=2023-02-10 |title=Bekoev wins Unanimous Decision over Valente at LFA 152 |url=https://www.lfa.com/bekoev-wins-unanimous-decision-over-valente-at-lfa-152 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=LFA}}
==LFA Middleweight Champion==
His next fight came four months later where he took on Dylan Budka for the interim LFA Middleweight Championship. Bekoev would win the fight via a Split Decision.{{Cite web|date=2023-06-16 |title=LFA 160: Sweeney vs. Begosso Full Results |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/06/16/lfa-160-sweeney-vs-begosso-full-results/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Cageside Press}}
After a six month layoff, he would return to take on lineal champion Lucas Fernando. Bekoev would win via a Unanimous Decision and thus winning the undisputed title.{{Cite web|date=2023-12-15 |title=Russian fighters Bekoev and Kuziutina sweep LFA middleweight and women’s strawweight titles at LFA 173 |url=https://www.lfa.com/russian-fighters-bekoev-and-kuziutina-sweep-lfa-middleweight-and-womens-strawweight-titles-at-lfa-173/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=LFA}}
His first title defense came six months later, when he faced Chauncey Foxworth. Bekoev would successfully defend his title via a second round knockout.{{Cite web|date=2024-06-22 |title=Azamat Bekoev knocks out Chauncey Foxworth to defend his Middleweight Title at LFA 186 |url=https://www.lfa.com/azamat-bekoev-knocks-out-chauncey-foxworth-to-defend-his-middleweight-title-at-lfa-186/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=LFA}}
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
Bekoev would make his UFC debut on short notice against Zachary Reese on the undercard of UFC 311, after Reese's original opponent, Sedriques Dumas pulled out during fight week.{{Cite web|last=King |first=Nolan |date=2025-01-13 |title=LFA champion gets late UFC 311 opportunity as replacement fighter |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/01/13/ufc-311-lfa-champion-replacement-fight-azamat-bekoev/77678349007/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=MMA Junkie}} Bekoev would go on to win the fight via a first round TKO, and thus successfully winning his UFC debut match.{{Cite web|last=Bitter |first=Shawn |date=2025-01-18 |title=UFC 311: Azamat Bekoev Makes Explosive Debut Against Zachary Reese |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/01/18/ufc-311-azamat-bekoev-makes-explosive-debut-against-zachary-reese/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Cageside Press}}
His next fight would come four months later, when he took on Ryan Loder. Bekoev would win the fight via yet another first round TKO, and this time, he earned himself a Performance of the Night bonus.{{Cite web|last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2025-05-03 |title=Azamat Bekoev Puts Hands On Loder, Ends His Night In The First |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/05/03/azamat-bekoev-puts-hands-on-loder-ends-his-night-in-the-first/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Cageside Press}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Ryan Loder}}{{Cite web|last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2025-05-04 |title=UFC Des Moines bonuses: Reinier de Ridder scores $50K after knocking off Bo Nickal |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/5/4/24423412/ufc-des-moines-bonuses-reinier-de-ridder-scores-50k-after-knocking-off-bo-nickal |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=MMA Fighting}}
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=8
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=8
|sub-losses=1
|dec-wins=4
|dec-losses=2
|nc=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|20–3
|Ryan Loder
|TKO (punches)
|UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
|{{dts|2025|May|3}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:44
|Des Moines, Iowa, United States
|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|19–3
|Zachary Reese
|KO (punches)
|{{dts|2025|January|18}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:04
|Inglewood, California, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|18–3
|Chauncey Foxworth
|KO (punch)
|{{dts|2024|June|22}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:32
|Denver, Colorado, United States
|{{small|Defended the LFA Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|17–3
|Lucas Fernando
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2023|December|15}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|{{small|Won and unified the LFA Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|16–3
|Dylan Budka
|Decision (split)
|{{dts|2023|June|16}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
|{{small|Won the interim LFA Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|15–3
|Renato Valente
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2023|February|10}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|14–3
|Behnam Salimi
|TKO (punches)
|Octagon 36
|{{dts|2022|October|21}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:25
|İzmit, Turkey
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–3
|Maksim Myalkin
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|Uzbekistan MMA Association: International Murod Khanturaev Memorial Tournament
|{{dts|2021|November|7}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:10
|Fergana, Uzbekistan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12–3
|Rafał Haratyk
|Submission (scarf hold)
|{{dts|2021|September|21}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:33
|Minsk, Belarus
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|12–2
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|{{dts|2021|April|23}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:33
|Minsk, Belarus
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–2
|Ibragim Magomedov
|Decision (split)
|{{dts|2020|December|18}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Moscow, Russia
|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11–1
|Araz Mamedov
|TKO (punches)
|{{dts|2020|September|5}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:01
|Moscow, Russia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–1
|Mbazou Nana
|TKO (slam)
|Union of Mixed Martial Arts: Alania Battle
|{{dts|2019|December|22}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:10
|Vladikavkaz, Russia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9–1
|Mikhail Allakhverdian
|Decision (unanimous)
|Berkut Young Eagles 8
|{{dts|2019|March|23}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Grozny, Russia
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|8–1
|Magomedrasul Gasanov
|Decision (split)
|Berkut Young Eagles 7
|{{dts|2018|December|22}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Tolstoy-Yurt, Russia
|{{small|2018 BYE Middleweight Grand Prix Semifinal.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8–0
|Elshad Guseynov
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|Berkut Young Eagles 6
|{{dts|2018|October|27}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:35
|Tolstoy-Yurt, Russia
|{{small|2018 BYE Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7–0
|Amirkhan Kukaev
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Berkut Young Eagles 3
|{{dts|2018|April|22}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:36
|Tolstoy-Yurt, Russia
|{{small|2018 BYE Middleweight Grand Prix Round of 16.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|6–0
|Sarkhan Garayev
|KO (punches)
|rowspan=2|Legion FC: Universal Battle Among Professional
|rowspan=2|{{dts|2017|July|30}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:18
|rowspan=2|Tashkent, Uzbekistan
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5–0
|Mustafaliatif Muhammadi
|KO (punch)
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:15
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4–0
|Ramazan Magomedov
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|Federation K-9: International Tournament 2017
|{{dts|2017|May|20}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:59
|Podolsk, Russia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|3–0
|Dzhabrail Yasaev
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|{{dts|2016|August|10}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|1:30
|Vladikavkaz, Russia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2–0
|Alexey Maslov
|Submission (north-south choke)
|rowspan=2|Zaleev Fight Team: Moscow Rumble Open Cup 5
|rowspan=2|{{dts|2015|September|27}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:59
|rowspan=2|Moscow, Russia
|{{small|Won the Moscow Rumble Middleweight Tournament.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–0
|Alexander Markosyan
|Submission (north-south choke)
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:00
|{{small|Middleweight debut. Moscow Rumble Middleweight Tournament Semifinal.}}
{{end}}