Nazim Sadykhov

Nazim Sadykhov (Azerbaijani: Nazim SadÃÂ±xov, born May 16, 1994) is an Azerbaijani mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life

Nazim Sadykhov was born on May 16, 1994, in Moscow, Russia, to Azerbaijani parents. His father introduced him to sports early to teach self-defense. Sadykhov grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but maintains a strong connection to his Azerbaijani heritage, honoring his lineage and cultural roots.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Nazim Sadykhov began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career on November 16, 2018. After an initial loss, he achieved a series of victories, including six by knockout and two by submission. This performance led to his participation in Dana White's Contender Series on August 16, 2022, where he secured a third-round knockout against Ahmad Hassanzada, earning a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Sadykhov faced Evan Elder on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219. He won the fight by technical knockout due to a doctor's stoppage in the third round. This fight earned his Fight of the Night award.

Sadykhov faced Terrance McKinney on July 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 49. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two.

Sadykhov faced Viacheslav Borshchev on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. The fight ended via a majority draw. This fight earned his Fight of the Night award.

Sadykhov was scheduled to face Chris Duncan on July 13, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 59. However, Duncan withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by MarQuel Mederos. A week later, Mederos pulled out, and the bout was scrapped.

Sadykhov faced Ismael Bonfim on February 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 251. He won the fight by technical knockout due to a doctor's stoppage at the end of the first round.

Sadykhov faced Nikolas Motta on June 21, 2025, at UFC on ABC 8. He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round. This fight earned him two $50,000 awards (Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night) totaling $100,000.

Sadykhov faced FarÃÂ¨s Ziam on December 6, 2025 at UFC 323. He lost the fight by technical knockout via punches and elbows in the second round.

Sadykhov is scheduled to face MarQuel Mederos on April 11, 2026 at UFC 327.

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Fight of the Night (Three times)
Performance of the Night (One time)
UFC Honors Awards
2025: President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee
UFC.com Awards
2025: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year
MMA Fighting
2025 #4 Ranked Fight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record

References