Makwan Amirkhani

Amirkhani was born in Kermanshah, Iran into a Kurdish family.[http://www.mmaviking.com/video-makwan-amirkhani-talks-moms-new-bed-celebrity-status-moving-and-fighting-next/ Makwan Amirkhani talks mom's new bed, celebrity status, moving, and fighting next] March 6, 2015 - "I’m from Iran, but I'm Kurdish." The family fled from Iran to Iraq and settled in UNHCR's Al-Tash refugee camp.{{cite book|last=Sainio|first=Mari|date=September 6, 2017|isbn=9789522913630|title=Makwan Amirkhani|publisher=Docendo|language=Finnish}} In the aftermath of the Iran–Iraq War, the family were resettled to Vaasa, Finland, around 1993. Growing up as a small-sized immigrant in Vaasa, Amirkhani was subjected to serious physical and mental bullying from daycare up until the upper comprehensive school. He moved with his family to Turku in 2004, where he went to the upper comprehensive school.{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-8506287|title=Makwan Amirkhani, minun tarinani|author=Joni Piirainen|publisher=yle.fi|date=December 6, 2015}} Amirkhani moved to Kotka to study in a high school suited for students with professional sports aspirations. However, he dropped out of the school and moved back to Turku where he failed to graduate from high schools twice. Eventually on a third try, he was accepted to study in Pajulahti Sports Institute from where he graduated.

His background is in amateur wrestling, having trained since a young age, competing for the Finnish national team; winning silver in the Finnish National Championship in Freestyle in 2010 and bronze in 2013 in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Amirkhani began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 16 and had his first professional fight in 2010. Competing on the regional circuit solely in Finland, he compiled a record of 10–2, with eight finishes, all by submission and all in the first round, before signing with the UFC in December 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/12/5/7337311/welcome-to-the-ufc-makwan-amirkhani|title=Welcome to the UFC Makwan Amirkhani|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Zane Simon|date=2014-12-05|access-date=2014-12-05|archive-date=2019-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603195207/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/12/5/7337311/welcome-to-the-ufc-makwan-amirkhani|url-status=dead}}

Amirkhani made his promotional debut against Andy Ogle on 24 January 2015 at UFC on Fox 14.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/andy-ogle-vs-makwan-amirkhani-joins-ufc-on-fox-14-lineup|title=Andy Ogle vs. Makwan Amirkhani joins UFC on FOX 14 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2014-12-05|access-date=2014-12-05}} He won the fight via TKO only 8 seconds into the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/ufc-on-fox-14-results-makwan-amirkhani-throttles-andy-ogle-in-eight-seconds|title=UFC on FOX 14 results: Makwan Amirkhani throttles Andy Ogle in eight seconds|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-01-24|access-date=2015-01-24}} He also earned a Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/1/24/7885691/ufc-fox-14-bonuses-anthony-johnson-makwan-amirkhani-knockouts-stockholm|title=UFC on FOX 14 bonuses: Anthony Johnson, Gegard Mousasi, Makwan Amirkhani and Kenny Robertson bank an extra $50,000 for knockouts|publisher=mmamania.com|date=2015-01-24}}

Amirkhani was briefly linked to a bout with Diego Rivas on 20 June 2015 at UFC Fight Night 69.{{cite web|url=http://cagepages.com/2015/04/02/niklas-backstrom-vs-noad-lahat-makwan-amirkhani-vs-diego-rivas-added-to-ufc-fight-night-69-in-berlin/|title=Makwan Amirkhani vs. Diego Rivas added to UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin|publisher=cagepages.com|author=Sean Bio|date=2015-04-02|access-date=2015-05-02}} However, shortly after the bout was announced, Rivas was pulled from the fight due to undisclosed reasons and replaced by Masio Fullen.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/makwan-amirkhani-versus-masio-fullenjoins-ufc-in-berlin|title=Makwan Amirkhani joins UFC in Berlin Card|publisher=mmaviking.com|author=Ryan O'Leary|date=2015-04-16|access-date=2015-05-02}} Amirkhani won the fight by submission due to a rear naked choke in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/ufc-fight-night-69-results-makwan-amirkhani-swiftly-submits-masio-fullen|title=UFC Fight Night 69 results: Makwan Amirkhani swiftly submits Masio Fullen|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2015-06-20|access-date=2015-06-20}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/emotional-makwan-amirkhani-plans-more-gifts-for-mom-says-his-work-in-life-is-done|title=Emotional Makwan Amirkhani plans more gifts for mom, says his work in life is done|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-06-20|access-date=2015-06-20}}

Amirkhani faced Mike Wilkinson on 27 February 2016, at UFC Fight Night 84.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/michael-bisping-vs-gegard-mousasi-headlines-ufc-fight-night-83-in-london|title=Michael Bisping vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC Fight Night 84 in London|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=1 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2015}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ufc-fight-night-84-results-makwan-amirkhani-bests-rival-mike-wilkinson|title=UFC Fight Night 84 results: Makwan Amirkhani bests rival Mike Wilkinson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2016-02-27|access-date=2016-02-27}}

In January 2017, Amirkhani signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC. In the first bout he faced Arnold Allen on 18 March 2017 at UFC Fight Night 107.{{cite news|url=http://thesprawlmma.com/home/news/exclusive-arnold-allen-vs-makwan-amirkhani-set-to-meet-at-ufc-london/|title=Arnold Allen and Makwan Amirkhani set to meet at UFC: London|publisher=thesprawlmma.com|author=Staff|date=2016-12-21|access-date=2016-12-21}} He lost the fight by split decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/ufc-fight-night-107-results-arnold-allen-takes-split-from-makwan-amirkhani-in-thriller|title=UFC Fight Night 107 results: Arnold Allen takes split from Makwan Amirkhani in thriller|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-03-18|access-date=2017-03-18}}

Amirkhani faced Jason Knight on 27 May 2018 at UFC Fight Night 130{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/makwan-amirkhani-booked-ufc-liverpool-bout/|title=Makwan Amirkhani booked for UFC Liverpool bout|author=Staff|website=mmaviking.com|date=2018-03-21|access-date=2018-03-21}} Amirkhani won the back-and-forth fight via split decision, after being knocked down twice with uppercuts.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/ufc-fight-night-130-results-makwan-amirkhani-battles-jason-knight-in-pocket-wrestles-way-to-split-decision-win|title=UFC Fight Night 130 results: Makwan Amirkhani battles Jason Knight in pocket, wrestles way to split-decision win|date=2018-05-27|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en-US}}

Amirkhani faced Chris Fishgold at UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith on 1 June 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/makwan-amirkhani-vs-chris-fishgold-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-stockholm/|title=Makwan Amirkhani vs. Chris Fishgold toegevoegd aan UFC Stockholm|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=25 March 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-25}} He won the fight via an anaconda choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/6/1/18648596/ufc-fight-night-153-results-makwan-amirkhani-defeats-chris-fishgold-anaconda-choke-espn-stockholm|title=UFC Stockholm Results! Amirkhani Knocks Off Fishgold With Anaconda Choke|last=Richardson|first=Andrew|date=2019-06-01|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=2019-06-02}} The win also earned Amirkhani his second Performance of the Night bonus award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/6/1/18648778/ufc-stockholm-bonuses-anthony-smith-head-kicking-aleksandar-rakic-among-winners|title=UFC Stockholm bonuses: Anthony Smith, head-kicking Aleksandar Rakic among winners|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=2019-06-01|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2019-06-01}}

Amirkhani faced Shane Burgos on 2 November 2019 at UFC 244.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-244-msg-shane-burgos-1.36494303|title=A little more New York flavor added to UFC 244 with Shane Burgos fight|author=Ryan Gerbosi|date=2019-09-18|website=newsday.com|access-date=2019-09-18}} He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/02/ufc-244-results-shane-burgos/|title=UFC 244 Results: Shane Burgos Batters Makwan Amirkhani With Late Stoppage|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2019-11-02|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-03}}

Amirkhani was expected to face Mike Grundy at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards on 21 March 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kamppailulajit/a/887e6d7f-edca-485d-bb36-6be78e1b6d94|title=Makwan Amirkhanin seuraava ottelu varmistui! Vastassa UFC-debyyttinsä tyrmäyksellä voittanut britti|author=Anni Saarela|publisher=iltalehti.fi|date=December 4, 2020|language=fi}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed and the bout scrapped.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-03-16}} Instead Amirkhani faced Danny Henry on 12 July 2020 at UFC 251.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-12|title=Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry added to UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/06/makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry-ufc-251-abu-dhabi-fight-island|access-date=2020-06-12|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}} He won the fight via a submission in round one.{{Cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=2020-07-11|title=UFC 251 Results: Makwan Amirkhani Chokes Out Danny Henry|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/07/11/ufc-251-results-makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry/|access-date=2020-07-12|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Amirkhani faced Edson Barboza, replacing Sodiq Yusuff, on 11 October 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/sodiq-yusuff-out-edson-barboza-vs-makwan-amirkhani-featherweight-ufc-oct-10|title=With Sodiq Yusuff out, Edson Barboza meets Makwan Amirkhani on UFC's Oct. 10 card|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn and Nolan King|date=2020-09-27|access-date=2020-09-27}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-10-10|title=UFC Fight Island 5 Results: Edson Barboza Works Makwan Amirkhani in Decision Win|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/10/ufc-fight-island-5-results-edson-barboza/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Amirkhani was scheduled to face Nate Landwehr on 5 June 2021 at UFC Fight Night 189.{{Cite web|last=ATSteveDuncan|date=2021-04-22|title=Makwan Amirkhani vs. Nate Landwehr agregado a UFC Fight Night del 5 de junio|url=https://mma.uno/makwanamirkhani-vs-nate-landwehr-agregado-a-ufc-fight-night-del-5-de-junio/|access-date=2021-04-22|website=MMA.uno, #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español.|language=es}} However, Landwehr was pulled from the event due to injury{{Cite web|date=2021-05-23|title=UFC Fight Night 189 loses three fights, including Amanda Ribas vs. Angela Hill due to COVID-19 issues|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-189-amanda-ribas-angela-hill-amirkhani-landwehr-pitolo-todorovic-covid|access-date=2021-05-24|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} and he was replaced by newcomer Kamuela Kirk.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-05-27|title=Kamuela Kirk krijgt UFC belletje, treft Makwan Amirkhani op 5 juni in Las Vegas|url=https://mmadna.nl/kamuela-kirk-krijgt-ufc-belletje-treft-makwan-amirkhani-op-5-juni-in-las-vegas/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} Amirkhani lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=2021-06-05|title=UFC Vegas 28 Results: Kamuela Kirk Takes Decision Over Makwan Amirkhani in Debut|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/05/ufc-vegas-28-results-makwan-amirkhani-vs-kamuela-kirk/|access-date=2021-06-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Amirkhani was scheduled to face Tristan Connelly on 30 October 2021 at UFC 267.{{Cite web|last=Br|first=Jeremy|title=Tristan Connelly vs. Makwan Amirkhani Set for UFC 267|date=21 August 2021|url=https://mmasucka.com/2021/08/20/tristan-connelly-makwan-amirkhani-ufc-267/|access-date=2021-08-21|language=en-US}} However, Connelly withdrew in early September due to a neck injury and was replaced by Lerone Murphy.{{Cite web|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-267-tristan-connelly-out-vs-makwan-amirkhani-injury-mma-matchup-booking|title=Tristan Connelly out of UFC 267 fight against Makwan Amirkhani|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farrah Hannoun|date=2021-09-07|access-date=2021-09-07}}{{Cite web|date=2021-09-28|title=With Tristan Connelly out, Lerone Murphy steps in to face Makwan Amirkhani at UFC 267|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-267-lerone-murphy-to-fight-makwan-amirkhani|access-date=2021-09-29|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} Amirkhani lost the bout via knock out with a knee after getting caught shooting for a takedown at the beginning of the second round.{{Cite web|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2021-10-30|title=UFC 267 Results: Lerone Murphy KO's Makwan Amirkhani|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/30/ufc-267-results-lerone-murphy-kos-makwan-amirkhani/|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Amirkhani faced Mike Grundy at UFC Fight Night 204 on 19 March 2022, in a rebooked bout after almost two years to date when they were originally set to compete.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/12/ufc-fight-night-makwan-amirkhani-vs-mike-grundy-booked-march-19|title=UFC adds Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy to March 19 lineup|author=Farah Hannoun|date=December 10, 2021|work=MMAjunkie.com}} Amirkhani won the fight via a technical submission with an Anaconda choke in round one.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-03-19 |title=UFC London: Makwan Amirkhani Puts Mike Grundy To Sleep Early |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/19/ufc-london-mike-grundy-vs-makwan-amirkhani/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} With this win, he received the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-19 |title=UFC Fight Night 204 bonuses: Nine fighters go home with $50,000 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-204-london-bonuses-nine-fighters-50000-knockouts-submissions-paddy-pimblett-molly-mccann |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Amirkhani faced Jonathan Pearce on 23 July 2022, at UFC Fight Night 208.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-30 |title=UFC London {{!}} Alles wat je moet weten over UFC Fight Night London: Blaydes vs. Aspinall |url=https://www.eurosport.nl/mixed-martial-arts/ufc/2022/ufc-london-alles-wat-je-moet-weten-over-ufc-fight-night-london-blaydes-vs.-aspinall_sto8905850/story.shtml |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Eurosport |language=nl}} He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/7/23/23275372/ufc-london-full-fight-video-highlights-results-espn-mma-pearce-knockout-amirkhani|title=Highlights: Jonathan Pearce dominates Makwan Amirkhani for TKO stoppage |publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2022-06-23|access-date=2022-07-23}}

Amirkhani faced Jack Shore on 18 March 2023, at UFC 286.{{Cite web |last=AlexBehunin |date=2023-01-19 |title=Jack Shore vs. Makwan Amirkhani Set For UFC 286 |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/1/19/23563198/jack-shores-featherweight-debut-makwan-amirkhani-ufc-286-london |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}} He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/18/ufc-286-jack-shore-vs-makwan-amirkhani/|title=UFC 286: Jack Shore returns to form at 145, stops Makwan Amirkhani|website=Cageside Press|author=Dylan Rush|date=2023-03-18|access-date=2023-03-18}}

On 5 June 2023, news surfaced that Amirkhani had fought out his contract and the organization opted not to renew it.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/5/23750010/makwan-amirkhani-trevin-jones-and-four-more-fighters-removed-from-ufc-roster|title=Makwan Amirkhani, Trevin Jones and four more fighters removed from UFC roster|date=June 5, 2023|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin}}

On 12 August 2023, Amirkhani announced that he had signed a contract to fight in Oktagon MMA and expects to make his promotional debut in lightweight division during 2023. He also revealed that he will partake the promotion's upcoming million euro tournament in 2024.{{cite instagram|postid=Cv1i96ntjPo|title=2024. Lightweight. @oktagonmma One million € tournament and I'm in.|author=Makwan Amirkhani|date=August 12, 2023|user=makwanufc}}{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kamppailulajit/a/4473a4e3-eb09-49e4-86ea-f77720ce0f89|title=Tässä on Makwan Amirkhanin uusi työnantaja – Panoksena huima miljoonapotti|date=August 12, 2023|publisher=iltalehti.fi|author=Anssi Karjalainen|language=fi}} After getting knocked out at the beginning of the third round against Mochamed Machaev, Amirkhani announced his intention to retire from the sport.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-03 |title=Video: UFC alum Makwan Amirkhani knocked out by Mochamed Machaev at OKTAGON 54 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/video-ufc-alum-makwan-amirkhani-knocked-out-by-mochamed-machaev-at-oktagon-54 |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |author=Editorial Staff |date=2024-03-07 |title="Mr. Finland" Bids Farewell After a String of DefeatsMMAnytt.com |url=https://www.mmanytt.com/latest-news/ufc-veteran-retires/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=MMAnytt.com |language=en-US}}

After his loss, he expressed a desire to return to fight one last time and pleaded his fans to vote him as one of two “lucky losers”,{{cite web|url=https://tipsportgamechanger.com/en/lucky-loser/|title=Lucky Loser|publisher=Oktagon MMA}} who would then re-enter the tournament in a reserve match. Subsequently, the Kurdish Amirkhani and Turkish Attila Korkmaz got picked and were set to face each other at Oktagon 58. Amirkhani (hinting at the Kurdish-Turkish conflict) stated prior to the bout in a post on his personal Instagram page that the match between him and Korkmaz is “more important than all the fights combined” and told his Kurdish fans to fill the arena with Kurdish nationalist colours.{{cite web|url=https://www.is.fi/urheilu/art-2000010486454.html|title= Makwan Amirkhan lost in a brutal way in front of a huge audience|date= 9 June 2024|language=Finnish|publisher=Ilta Sanomat}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000010486082.html|title= Makwan lost in a rude fashion in Prague|date= 8 June 2024|language=Finnish|publisher=Helsingin Sanomat}} Amirkhani lost the match after being picked up and slammed into the canvas by Korkmaz and submitted via a rear-naked choke in the third round.{{ cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/06/oktagon-58-video-makwan-amirkhani-slammedsubmitted-losing-skid|title=Makwan Amirkhani slammed and submitted at OKTAGON 58, falls to 1-7 in past eight fights|date=8 June 2024 |publisher=MMA Junkie}} The aforementioned slam had caused Amirkhani to dislocate his glenohumeral joint; the rotator cuff had also punctured and required extensive surgery. After the operation, he expressed uncertainty about returning to fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kamppailulajit/a/ebc66b92-3f95-449d-a024-e16d1d211476|title=Jatkuuko ura? Nyt puhuu pahasti loukkaantunut Makwan Amirkhani|publisher=Iltalehti}}

Later, it was announced that Amirkhani was scheduled to fight in a Finnish regional MMA promotion called ‘Ice Cage Fighting’. His bout against Fernando Flores was the main event of Ice Cage Fighting 3, which took place on 28 December 2024. He won the match by submission.

He was scheduled to fight Diego Santos on 25 January 2025 in the Czech 'Professional Muaythai League'. He missed weight and later pulled out due to flu symptoms.{{cite web|url=https://www.is.fi/urheilu/art-2000010988892.html|title=Punnituksen reputtaneen Makwan Amirkhanin ottelu peruttu|publisher=Ilta Sanomat|language=fi}}

He is scheduled to fight against Joni Salovaara on 3 May 2025 at Ice Cage Event.

Amirkhani competed in the ADCC North European Open on August 18, 2023 where he went 3-1 and won a bronze medal in the 76 kg division.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Sabrina |title=UFC Veteran Makwan Amirkhani Gets Bronze At ADCC North European Open 2023 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ufc-veteran-makwan-amirkhani-gets-bronze-at-adcc-north-european-open-2023/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=22 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023}}

Amirkhani is one of eight children; his brother and father both died in car accidents shortly after the family moved to Finland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/33134-makwan-amirkhani-tsingis-khan|title=Makwan Amirkhani ("Mr. Finland") | MMA Fighter Page|website=Tapology}}

Makwan has worked as a model and was the 1st runner-up in 2012 Mr. Finland pageant, which his nickname refers to.{{Cite web|last=Mesikammen|first=Jani|date=2013-01-29|title=King Makwan Wants to Entertain You|url=https://www.mmaviking.com/king-makwan-wants-to-entertain-you/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Nordic MMA Everyday at MMA Viking|language=en-US}}

Makwan and his partner have a son (born 2022).{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kamppailulajit/a/c25e859c-febf-4049-bdfa-3b4faf44ec81|title=Makwan Amirkhani sai pojan – hempeilee vauvan kanssa videolla.|author=Mikael Kaivanto|date=October 25, 2022|publisher=iltalehti.fi|language=fi}}

On July 12, 2021 several Finnish newspapers reported that Jethro Rostedt, a then 45 year-old Finnish real estate agent and Turku city council member, filed a criminal report against Amirkhani due to threats and slander. In a Facebook post that Amirkhani quickly deleted, he threatened Rostedt with violence and expressed disparaging comments about him and his son after he seemingly became irritated by Rostedt who shared his opinion on a gang fight involving Amirkhani’s sister and dozens of other people of foreign background that occurred in a restaurant that Rostedt owns.{{Cite web|last=Iltalehti|date=2021-07-12|title=Vapaaottelija Makwan Amirkhani uhkaili ja haukkui Jethro Rostedtia alatyylisesti|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/4dd90e08-0437-41f5-afcd-01d1a5c5bc68|website=Iltalehti}}{{Cite web|last=Iltasanomat|date=2021-07-12|title=Jethro Rostedt kertoo tekevänsä rikosilmoituksen Makwan Amirkhanista|url=https://www.is.fi/urheilu/art-2000008119833.html/|website=Iltasanomat}}

Makwan Amirkhani has fought five times in amateur boxing. He would have had his fifth fight in December 2018 in Somero instead of January 2019, had he not refused a new replacement opponent who was an experienced and heavier boxer.{{cite news |last1=Leppänen |first1=Marko |title=Makwan Amirkhani suivaantui kohtelustaan nyrkkeilykisoissa: "Olen rohkea mutten tyhmä" |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/makwan-amirkhani-suivaantui-kohtelustaan-nyrkkeilykisoissa-olen-rohkea-mutten-tyhma/7197112#gs.1393sl |access-date=12 March 2019}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Performance of the Night (Three times) {{small|vs. Andy Ogle, Chris Fishgold and Mike Grundy}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-on-Fox-14-Bonuses-Rumble-Mousasi-Amirkhani-Robertson-Earn-3650K-Awards-80767|title=UFC on Fox 14 bonuses: 'Rumble', Mousasi, Amirkhani, Robertson earn $50K awards|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2015-01-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/6/1/18648418/ufc-stockholm-bonus-winners-gustafsson-smith-espn-mma-fight-night-knockout-submission-rakic|title=UFC Stockholm bonuses: Anthony Smith's main event submission leads $50K winners|date=2019-06-01|website=MMAmania|language=en|access-date=2019-06-01}}
• Tied (Daniel Pineda, Chas Skelly & Brian Ortega) for second most submissions in UFC Featherweight division history (4){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=FTW|title=UFC Stats - Featherweight Division|date=February 24, 2024|author=UFC.com|publisher=ufc.com}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2015: Ranked #5 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/ten-Best-The-UFC-Newcomers-of-2015|title=Ten Best – The Newcomers of 2015|last=Gerbasi|first=Thomas|date=December 21, 2015|work=UFC.com}} & Half-Year Awards: Best Newcomer of the 1HY{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/2016-half-year-awards|title=2015 Half-Year Awards - The Newcomers|date=June 29, 2015|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Nordic MMA Awards - MMAviking.com
• 2012 Showman of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/mmaviking-coms-yearly-nordic-awards/|title=MMAViking.com's Yearly Nordic Awards|access-date=April 21, 2021|website=mmaviking.com}}
• 2015 Knockout of the Year vs. Andy Ogle on January 24{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/2015-ko-of-the-year-makwan-amirkhani/|title=2015 KO of the Year : Makwan Amirkhani|date=January 2, 2016|website=mmaviking.com|access-date=April 21, 2021}}
• 2015 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/2015-fighter-of-the-year-makwan-amirkhani/|title=2015 Fighter of the Year : Makwan Amirkhani|date=January 9, 2016|website=mmaviking.com|access-date=April 21, 2021}}

• Finnish Wrestling Federation
• 2008 Finnish Nationals 66 kg (145,5 lbs) Freestyle Wrestling Bronze medalist{{cite web|website=painiliitto.fi |url=https://www.painiliitto.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sm-vp-2005-2009.pdf|title=19-20.11.2005, Ylistaro, Kilpa-Veljet |access-date=22 Mar 2025}}
• 2010 Finnish Nationals 66 kg (145,5 lbs) Freestyle Wrestling Silver medalist{{cite web|website=painiliitto.fi

|url=https://www.painiliitto.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SM_vp_2010-2014.pdf|title=29. - 30.1.2010 Helsinki, Paini-Miehet

|access-date=23 May 2024}}

• 2013 Finnish Nationals 66 kg (145,5 lbs) Greco-Roman Wrestling Bronze medalist{{cite web|access-date=23 May 2024

|url=https://www.painiliitto.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kr-sm-2010-2014.pdf|title=12.-14.3.2010 Alavus, Urheilijat|website=painiliitto.fi}}

• 2016 Finnish Nationals 74 kg (163 lbs) Freestyle Wrestling 4th place{{cite web|access-date=23 May 2024 |url=https://www.ts.fi/urheilu/846652|title=6.2.2016 Janakkala|website=ts.fi}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=1

|sub-wins=13

|dec-wins=4

|ko-losses=4

|sub-losses=3

|dec-losses=4

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–11

|Fernando Flores

|Submission (anaconda choke)

|Ice Cage Fighting 3

|{{dts|2024|December|28}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:52

|Vantaa, Finland

|{{small|Catchweight (150 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–11

|Attila Korkmaz

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Oktagon 58

|{{dts|2024|June|8|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:37

|Prague, Czech Republic

|{{small|Oktagon Lightweight Tournament Reserve bout.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–10

|Mochamed Machaev

|KO (punches)

|Oktagon 54

|{{dts|2024|March|2|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|0:06

|Ostrava, Czech Republic

|{{small|Lightweight debut. Oktagon Lightweight Tournament Round of 16.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–9

|Jack Shore

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 286

|{{dts|2023|March|18|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:27

|London, England

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–8

|Jonathan Pearce

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall

|{{dts|2022|July|23|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:10

|London, England

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–7

|Mike Grundy

|Technical Submission (anaconda choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

|{{dts|2022|March|19|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:57

|London, England

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–7

|Lerone Murphy

|KO (knee)

|UFC 267

|{{dts|2021|October|30|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:14

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–6

|Kamuela Kirk

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai

|{{dts|2021|June|5|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–5

|Edson Barboza

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2020|October|10|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–4

|Danny Henry

|Technical Submission (anaconda choke)

|UFC 251

|{{dts|2020|July|12|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:15

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–4

|Shane Burgos

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 244

|{{dts|2019|November|2|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:32

|New York City, New York, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–3

|Chris Fishgold

|Submission (anaconda choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith

|{{dts|2019|June|1|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:25

|Stockholm, Sweden

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–3

|Jason Knight

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till

|{{dts|2018|May|27|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Liverpool, England

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–3

|Arnold Allen

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Manuwa vs. Anderson

|{{dts|2017|March|18|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|London, England

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–2

|Mike Wilkinson

| Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping

|{{dts|2016|February|27|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|London, England

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–2

|Masio Fullen

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Jędrzejczyk vs. Penne

|{{dts|2015|June|20|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:41

|Berlin, Germany

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–2

| Andy Ogle

|TKO (flying knee and punches)

|UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson

|{{dts|2015|January|24|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:08

|Stockholm, Sweden

| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 10–2

| Yohan Guerin

| Decision (unanimous)

| Cage 26

| {{dts|2014|April|05|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Turku, Finland

|{{small|Catchweight (150 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 9–2

| Adam Ward

| Decision (unanimous)

| Cage 24: Turku 3

| {{dts|2013|November|09|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Turku, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 9–1

| Nayeb Hezam

| Submission (anaconda choke)

| Fight for Glory: First Round

| {{dts|2013|April|06|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:58

|Turku, Finland

|{{small|Return to Featherweight.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 8–1

| Tom Duquesnoy

| Technical Submission (anaconda choke)

| Cage 21: Turku 2

| {{dts|2013|February|2|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:50

|Turku, Finland

|{{small|Bantamweight debut.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 7–1

| Semen Tyrlya

| Submission (modified rear-naked choke)

| StandUpWar 3: Rising Stars

| {{dts|2012|October|27|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:03

|Tampere, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 6–1

| Johannes Isaksson

| Submission (leg lock)

| Botnia Punishment 12

| {{dts|2012|September|14|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:50

|Seinäjoki, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 5–1

| Kari Päivinen

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| Lappeenranta Fight Night 7

| {{dts|2012|April|14|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 2:23

|Lappeenranta, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–1

| Aleksejs Povulans

| Decision (unanimous)

| Cage 18: Turku

| {{dts|2012|March|03|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| 5:00

|Turku, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 3–1

| Lauri Väätäinen

| Submission (heel hook)

| Cage 16: 1st Defense

| {{dts|2011|October|08|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 0:50

| Espoo, Finland

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 2–1

| Viktor Tomasevic

| Submission (triangle choke)

| Karkkila Fight Night 1

| {{dts|2011|June|18|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 2:45

| Karkkila, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–0

| Markus Rytöhonka

| Submission (triangle choke)

| TF: Turku Sport & Extreme Expo

| {{dts|2011|April|09|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| N/A

| Turku, Finland

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–0

| Tadas Aleksonis

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| TF 2: Champions Are Here

| {{dts|2010|October|23|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:21

| Turku, Finland

|

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Makwan-Amirkhani-69406|title=Makwan|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2019-11-03}}

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"

|-

!{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!Result

!Record

!Opponent

!Method

!Round, time

!Date

!Location

!Notes

|-

|5

|{{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

|3–2

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Santeri Laine

|MD

|3

|January 19, 2019

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Nääshalli, Tampere, Pirkanmaa}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{cite web|url=https://www.lapinkansa.fi/lasse-kourula-iski-finaaliin-tul-turnauksessa/154735|title=Lasse Kourula iski finaaliin TUL-turnauksessa|author=Jaarli Pirkkiö|publisher=lapinkansa.fi|date=January 19, 2019|language=fi}}

|-

|4

|{{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

|3–1

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Jamil Mahdi

|SD

|3

|November 24, 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Punaportin liikuntahalli, Hämeenlinna, Kanta-Häme}}

|style="text-align:left;"|

|-

|3

|{{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

|2–1

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Eetu Sankari

|MD

|3

|November 11, 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Nääshalli, Tampere, Pirkanmaa}}

|style="text-align:left;"|

|-

|2

|{{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

|1–1

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Ari Nevalainen

|MD

|3

|October 27, 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Nokian palloiluhalli, Nokia, Pirkanmaa}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{cite web|url=https://www.suomiurheilu.com/2018/10/ufc-ottelija-makwan-amirkhani-otti-ensimmaisen-voittonsa-nyrkkeilykehassa-lisasi-kuvan-sosiaaliseen-mediaan-ottelun-jalkeen/|title=UFC-ottelija Makwan Amirkhani otti ensimmäisen voittonsa nyrkkeilykehässä vakuuttavasti! – Julkaisi kuvan tunnelmista|date=October 28, 2018|language=fi}}

|-

|1

|{{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

|0–1

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Mico Hakkarainen

|MD

|3

|October 13, 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Urheilutalo Feeniks, Forssa, Kanta-Häme}}

|style="text-align:left;"|

{{S-end}}

• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist}}

• {{UFC|makwan-amirkhani}}
• {{Sherdog}}

{{List of Iranian refugee and immigrant athletes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amirkhani, Makwan}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Finnish male mixed martial artists

Category:Iranian male mixed martial artists

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:Finnish male sport wrestlers

Category:Iranian male sport wrestlers

Category:Finnish submission wrestlers

Category:Finnish male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:Iranian male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:Finnish male boxers

Category:Iranian male boxers

Category:Sportspeople of Iranian descent

Category:Kurdish sportsmen

Category:Sportspeople from Kermanshah

Category:21st-century Iranian sportsmen

Category:21st-century Finnish sportsmen

Category:Finnish expatriate sportspeople in Sweden

Category:Finnish expatriate sportspeople in Ireland

Category:Iranian emigrants to Finland

Category:Iranian refugees

Category:Finnish people of Kurdish descent

Category:Finnish people of Iranian descent