Ismail Naurdiev (born August 18, 1996) is an Austrian mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He formerly competed in the Super Welterweight division of Brave Combat Federation and Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB).

Ismail Naurdiev
Ismail Naurdiev at UFC Fight Night 160 in Copenhagen
Born (1996-08-18) August 18, 1996 (age 28)
Grozny, Chechnya, Russia[1]
Other namesThe Austrian Wonderboy
NationalityAustrian[2]
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionWelterweight (2012–2020)
Super welterweight (2021–2022)
Middleweight (2023–present)
Reach74 in (188 cm)[3]
StyleWrestling[1]
Fighting out ofRabat, Morocco
TeamTop Team Salzburg
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total31
Wins24
By knockout12
By submission6
By decision6
Losses7
By knockout2
By submission2
By decision3
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Early life

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Naurdiev was born in Grozny, Chechnya, Russia[1] and his family left the war-torn city and moved to Austria in 2004 when he was nine years old for a safe and better life. He started training in wrestling and transitioned to MMA when he was a teenager. At the beginning of his MMA professional career, Naurdiev did not have any trainers or sparring partners but would accept every fight offered to him for experience.[2]

Yes, [I have] only Austrian [citizenship]. I speak to the UFC only to fight under the flag of Austria, because this country has given me everything. I give them credit. I feel good in Austria, but I do not forget my roots.[2]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Naurdiev fought in the European-based promotions, notably Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formally known as Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), and amassed a record of 17–2 prior to joining UFC.[4]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Naurdiev made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos on February 23, 2019. He faced Michel Prazeres, replacing injured Ramazan Emeev,[5] and won the fight by unanimous decision.[6]

On July 6, 2019, Naurdiev faced Chance Rencountre at UFC 239.[7] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[8]

Naurdiev next faced Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Cannonier on September 28, 2019.[9] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[10]

Naurdiev faced Sean Brady on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 169.[11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[12]

On March 19, 2020, it was reported that Naurdiev parted way with UFC.[13] Later, Naurdiev elaborated that after fighting out his four-fight rookie contract with a record of 2–2, the organization was not interested in re-signing him.[14]

Post-UFC career

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On August 24, 2020, news surfaced that Naurdiev had signed with Elite MMA Championship and was expected to make his promotional debut in the promotion's welterweight grand prix at EMC 5 on September 5, 2020.[15] He faced Tymoteusz Łopaczyk and won the fight via unanimous decision, advancing to the grand prix final.[16]

In the final, Naurdiev was expected to face Amiran Gogoladze at EMC 6 on October 31, 2020.[17] However, Naurdiev withdrew from the bout due to an injury prior to the whole event being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18][19]

Brave Combat Federation

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On February 26, 2021, Naurdiev announced that he signed a multi-fight contract with Brave Combat Federation.[20] Subsequently, it was announced that Naurdiev will be challenging Jarrah Al-Silawi for the BRAVE CF Super Welterweight Championship at Brave CF 50 on April 1, 2021.[21] He lost in the second round after he injured his leg from a kick.[22]

Naurdiev faced Olli Santalahti on September 25, 2021, at Brave CF 54. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[23]

Naurdiev faced Bekten Zheenbekov on June 18, 2022 at Brave CF 59. He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round. [24]

Naurdiev faced Marcin Bandel for the vacant Brave CF Super Welterweight Championship at Brave CF 63. He lost the bout in the first round after being dropped by Bandel and submitted with an armbar.[25]

Naurdiev looked to rebound against Vadim Kutsy on December 17, 2022 at Brave CF 68, however he lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.[26]

Naurdiev moved up to Middleweight and faced Tahar Hadbi on December 8, 2023 at Brave CF 79, winning the bout via guillotine choke in the first round.[27]

Return to UFC

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Naurdiev faced Bruno Silva on October 26, 2024 at UFC 308.[28] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[29]

Personal life

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Naurdiev earned his moniker "The Austrian Wonderboy" due to his flashy, stylist and wild spinning kicks skills.[1]

Championships and accomplishments

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  • Aggrelin
    • AG Welterweight Championship (One time)
  • World Freefight Challenge
    • Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Daniel Skibiński

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
31 matches 24 wins 7 losses
By knockout 12 2
By submission 6 2
By decision 6 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 24–7 Bruno Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC 308 October 26, 2024 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 23–7 Tahar Hadbi Submission (guillotine choke) Brave CF 79 December 8, 2023 1 1:10 Isa Town, Bahrain Middleweight debut.
Loss 22–7 Vadym Kutsyi TKO (punches) Brave CF 68 December 17, 2022 1 3:23 Düsseldorf, Germany
Loss 22–6 Marcin Bandel Submission (armbar) Brave CF 63 October 19, 2022 1 1:20 Isa Town, Bahrain For the vacant BRAVE CF Super Welterweight Championship.
Win 22–5 Bekten Zheenbekov TKO (punches) Brave CF 59 June 18, 2022 1 2:26 Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Win 21–5 Olli Santalahti Decision (unanimous) Brave CF 54 September 25, 2021 3 5:00 Konin, Poland
Loss 20–5 Jarrah Al-Silawi TKO (leg kicks) Brave CF 50 April 1, 2021 2 1:19 Arad, Bahrain Super Welterweight (175 lb) debut. For the Brave CF Super Welterweight Championship.
Win 20–4 Tymoteusz Łopaczyk Decision (unanimous) EMC 5 September 5, 2020 3 5:00 Düsseldorf, Germany EMC Welterweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Loss 19–4 Sean Brady Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo February 29, 2020 3 5:00 Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Win 19–3 Siyar Bahadurzada Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Cannonier September 28, 2019 3 5:00 Copenhagen, Denmark
Loss 18–3 Chance Rencountre Decision (unanimous) UFC 239 July 6, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–2 Michel Prazeres Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos February 23, 2019 3 5:00 Prague, Czech Republic
Win 17–2 Paulistenio Rocha TKO (punches) X Fight Nights 16 February 2, 2019 1 0:36 Wien, Austria
Win 16–2 Georgi Valentinov KO (spinning wheel kick and punches) ACB 74 November 18, 2017 1 3:10 Vienna, Austria
Loss 15–2 Ismael de Jesus Decision (unanimous) ACB 70 September 23, 2017 3 5:00 Sheffield, England
Win 15–1 Ben Alloway KO (kick to the body) ACB 60 May 13, 2017 1 2:24 Vienna, Austria
Win 14–1 Andrei Vasinca TKO (knee and punches) ACB 52 January 21, 2017 1 1:28 Vienna, Austria Knockout of the Night.
Win 13–1 Lászlò Szögyényi TKO (punches) WFC 21 December 17, 2016 2 1:49 Bad Voeslau, Austria
Win 12–1 Garik Shahbabyan Submission (arm-triangle choke) Aggrelin 14 October 16, 2016 2 2:41 Salzburg, Austria Won the AG Welterweight Championship.
Win 11–1 Daniel Skibiński KO (knee) WFC 20 August 27, 2016 1 0:40 Bad Vöslau, Austria Knockout of the Night.
Win 10–1 David Mate TKO (punches) KraftHerr Fight Night February 27, 2016 1 1:15 St. Polten, Austria
Win 9–1 Leonardo D'Auria TKO (punches) Austrian Fight Challenge 2 December 12, 2015 1 N/A Vienna, Austria
Win 8–1 Asmir Sadiković Submission (triangle choke) NAAFS: Europe December 6, 2015 2 1:03 Split, Croatia
Win 7–1 Mikko Ahmala TKO (punches and elbows) Cage 30 May 16, 2015 1 2:27 Leonding, Austria
Win 6–1 Adnan Hadzic Submission Fight Night Leonding April 11, 2015 1 1:28 Leonding, Austria
Win 5–1 Ibo Can TKO (punches) Charity Fight Night 2 September 20, 2014 1 2:00 Dornbirn, Austria
Loss 4–1 Cem Kaya Submission (triangle choke) GMC 5 December 9, 2012 1 0:40 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany Catchweight (176 lb) bout.
Win 4–0 Uros Pavlovic TKO (punches) Cage Fight Events Europe: Salzburger MMA Challenge April 26, 2014 1 N/A Salzburg, Austria
Win 3–0 Robert Oganesyan Submission (rear-naked choke) TKB: Fight Night Linz December 9, 2014 1 4:26 Leonding, Austria
Win 2–0 Abdul Shaliqhi Submission (rear-naked choke) Respect Austria 1 February 2, 2013 1 3:00 Freistadt, Austria
Win 1–0 Alic Eldridz Decision (unanimous) KOTR Austria November 17, 2012 3 5:00 Salzburg, Austria Welterweight debut.

[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Fortune, Ryan (2019-07-05). "UFC 239 Featured Fighter: Ismail Naurdiev". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  2. ^ a b c ""Слышал, Чечня стала красивой, хочу туда приехать снова"". www.sport-express.ru (in Russian). 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  3. ^ "Ismail Naurdiev | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  4. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Ismail". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  5. ^ "Ultimate escala Ismail Naurdiev para a luta contra Michel Trator no UFC Praga, dia 23 de fevereiro". Sportv (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2019-09-28. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  6. ^ "UFC Prague results: Newcomer Ismail Naurdiev shocks exhausted Michel Prazeres". MMAjunkie. 2019-02-23. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  7. ^ DNA, MMA. "Ismail Naurdiev maakt opwachting tijdens UFC 239 in Las Vegas tegen Chance Rencountre". Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  8. ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-07-06). "UFC 239 Results: Chance Rencountre Upsets Ismail Naurdiev in Decision Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  9. ^ DNA, MMA. "Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Ismail Naurdiev toegevoegd aan UFC Kopenhagen". Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  10. ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-09-28). "UFC Copenhagen Results: Ismail Naurdiev Cruises to Victory Over Siyar Bahadurzada". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
  11. ^ DNA, MMA. "Sean Brady treft Ismail Naurdiev tijdens UFC Norfolk". Retrieved 2019-12-25.
  12. ^ Anderson, Jay (2020-02-29). "UFC Norfolk Results: Sean Brady Comes On Strong in Second and Third, Takes Decision Over Ismail Naurdiev". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-03-01.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "14 Fighters No Longer Part of UFC Roster Following Cuts, Free Agency". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  14. ^ Damon Martin (September 4, 2020). "Ismail Naurdiev explains UFC exit, plans to return begin with EMC welterweight grand prix". mmafighting.com.
  15. ^ Damon Martin (August 24, 2020). "EMC books four-man welterweight grand prix for next month featuring former UFC, PFL veterans". mmafighting.com.
  16. ^ "Satoshi Ishii to appeal against EMC 5 decision defeat". asianmma.com. September 9, 2020.
  17. ^ Damon Martin (September 15, 2020). "UFC veteran Ismail Naurdiev vs. Amiran Gogoladze to crown welterweight champion headlines EMC 6". mmafighting.com.
  18. ^ EMC Promotion [@EMC_Promotion] (October 26, 2020). "Ismail Naurdiev suffered an injury in training and his fight with Amiran Gogoladze will be rescheduled for a future EMC event" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ^ EMC Promotion [@EMC_Promotion] (October 30, 2020). "Despite our best efforts, we have been forced to postpone #EMC6 this weekend due to the increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections & new gov restrictions throughout Germany" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Ismail Naurdiev [@theaustrianwonderboy] (February 26, 2021). "Super excited to be joining BRAVE CF's awesome Super Welterweight roster!" – via Instagram.
  21. ^ Farah Hannoun (March 3, 2021). "Brave CF 50: Super welterweight champion Jarrah Al-Silawi set for Ismail Naurdiev test on April 1". MMAjunkie.com.
  22. ^ Leonte, Tudor. "Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi Chops Down Ismail Naurdiev, Defends Belt at Brave CF 50". Sherdog. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  23. ^ Clifton, Michael (2021-09-26). "BRAVE CF 54: Full Results". LowKickMMA.com. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
  24. ^ FightBookMMA (2022-06-18). "BRAVE CF 59 results: Kubanychbek earns interim world title, shot at lineal champ | FightBook MMA". Retrieved 2022-06-20.
  25. ^ "BRAVE CF 63 Results - Naurdiev vs Bandel". MMA Sucka. 2022-10-19. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  26. ^ Federation, Brave Combat. "BRAVE CF 68 results: Joilton Lutterbach makes statement with first-round TKO win, calls out Eldar Eldarov". MMA Underground. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  27. ^ Team, Black Belt (2023-12-09). "BRAVE CF 79 Results: A Night of Knockouts, Submissions, and Historic Farewells". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  28. ^ Diego Ribas (2024-09-04). "Nova chance! Bruno Blindado busca encerrar má fase no UFC em outubro" (in Spanish). agfight.com. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
  29. ^ Bryson Hester (2024-10-26). "Ismail Naurdiev Returns at UFC 308, Beats Bruno Silva". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
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