Askar Askarov Fighter Profile, Record & Net Worth

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few stories are as compelling as that of Askar Askarov. Known as “The Bullet,” Askarov has defied the odds to become one of the most elite flyweight competitors on the planet. Despite being born with a significant hearing impairment, his ability to read his opponents and dominate on the mats has solidified his reputation as a top-tier grappler and a championship-caliber athlete.

Who is Askar Askarov?

Askar Askarov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist hailing from the combat sports powerhouse of Dagestan. Competing primarily in the Flyweight division, Askarov is a master of Freestyle Wrestling and Sambo. He rose to international prominence during his tenure in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and previously held the title of Flyweight Champion in the Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB).

One of the most remarkable aspects of his profile is that he is nearly 80% deaf. Because he cannot hear his coaches’ instructions during a fight, he relies entirely on visual cues and pre-fight preparation, making his success in the Octagon even more impressive.

Askar Askarov Professional MMA Record

Throughout his career, Askar Askarov has maintained a highly impressive record, consistently facing top-five competition. Below is a summary of his professional standings:

• Total Fights: 17
• Wins: 15
• Losses: 1
• Draws: 1

His only professional loss came via a narrow decision against Kai Kara-France in 2022, while his lone draw was a high-level technical battle against current UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja in his promotional debut.

Key Career Victories

Askarov’s resume includes wins over some of the biggest names in the 125-pound division:

• Joseph Benavidez: A dominant unanimous decision win over a multi-time title challenger.
• Alexandre Pantoja: While their first fight was a draw, many fans remember their intense grappling exchanges.
• Tim Elliott: A showcase of Askarov’s superior wrestling and control.

Fighting Style and Technical Skills

What makes Askar Askarov such a dangerous opponent is his relentless pace and elite wrestling pedigree. Coming from Dagestan, his chain-wrestling is second to none in the flyweight division. He doesn’t just look for takedowns; he uses them to exhaust his opponents and hunt for submissions.

Grappling Excellence

Askarov is a gold medalist in the Deaflympics for Freestyle Wrestling. This high-level background translates perfectly to MMA, where he utilizes a suffocating top game. His ability to transition from a takedown to a back-take is among the best in the sport.

Striking and Defense

While primarily a grappler, Askarov has developed a functional striking game. He uses his hands to set up his entries and possesses a durable chin, allowing him to trade blows while looking for the clinch.

Askar Askarov Net Worth and Earnings

As of 2024, Askar Askarov’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. His primary source of income has been his fight purses from the UFC and ACA, along with performance bonuses.

During his time in the UFC, Askarov was a high-ranking contender, which allowed him to earn significant five-figure payouts per fight. Additionally, he has secured various sponsorships within Russia and from combat sports equipment brands.

Current Status: Why did he leave the UFC?

In late 2022, fans were surprised when Askarov requested his release from the UFC. The decision was primarily driven by ongoing health issues and a desire to focus on his recovery without the pressure of the UFC’s rigorous schedule. Since leaving, he has returned to his roots, signing with the ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) to continue his career closer to home.

Conclusion

Askar Askarov remains one of the most respected figures in the flyweight division. From overcoming physical challenges to dominating world-class athletes, his journey is a testament to discipline and skill. Whether he returns to a major global stage or continues to dominate the European circuit, Askarov’s legacy as a technical master of the sport is already secure.