Tagir Ulanbekov (14-1) is yet another wrestler out of Dagestan, Russia backed by Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team of elite fighters currently taking over the sport. He is Eagles MMA’s best 125 pounder and is ranked 15th in the division after two octagon victories. The 30-year-old takes on 13th ranked Tim Elliot (17-12-1) Saturday, 3/5, at UFC 272.
Tagir was born in the Mountainous region of The Republic of Dagestan in 1991. The Caucus has become known for its wrestling exploits and head Eagles MMA coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov can largely be thanked for popularizing the region. Unfortunately, Nurmagomedov passed away in 2020 but his last years were filled with his fighters rising to the top and Ulanbekov is simply his best Flyweight.
Before the Dana White and the big bad UFC came calling, Tagir was busy racking up wins and belts across Russia’s top promotions, ACA previously named Fights Nights Global and Gorilla FC, now known as Khabib’s Eagle FC. His only loss to date came at the hands of current UFC Flyweight and former Fight Nights champ Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-6) in a razor-thin majority decision.
After two title defenses with GFC Ulanbekov flew stateside for an octagon debut in 2020 and since then two victories inside the cage. Tim Elliot a veteran in the UFC since 2012 will aim to stop the streak but Tagir might have the kryptonite to beat the 35-year-old. Tim has been five times in his career and four of them by submission. Ulanbekov is great standing or grounded but seven of his stoppages are by sub. There’s a rare Tap In betting tip for you, take it to the bank on Saturday, 3/5, cause it’s on the prelims for UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal.
#15 Tagir Ulanbekov | 14-1 | 5’7 125 lbs. | Age 30 | Reach 71” | Southpaw Stance | Fighting Out of Makhachkala, Russia
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