Rustam Khabilov

Rustam Mikailovich Khabilov (born 4 November 1986) is a Russian mixed martial artist, currently competing in the Lightweight division.

He is a Combat Sambo World Champion and a former member of the Legion Sport Club fight team in Rostov-on-Don.

Prior to signing with Bellator, Khabilov previously fought in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Rustam was born in Goksu-otar village in Dagestan, in a Kumyk family.

He studied at the Makhachkala Automobile College, where his sports career began.

He started his training under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, soon becoming world and Russia champion in fight sambo discipline.

Married, has two sons and a daughter.

In January 2012 it was announced that Khabilov had signed with ONE Fighting Championship.

He made his debut at ONE Fighting Championship: Battle of Heroes at The BritAma Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia on 11 February 2012 against BJJ World Champion Rodrigo Ribeiro.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Khabilov signed a four-fight deal with the UFC in July 2012.

In his debut, Khabilov faced Vinc Pichel on 15 December 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.

He won the fight in the first round by hurting Pincel with a suplex and finishing him off with punches on the ground.

For his second fight in the organization, Khabilov faced UFC newcomer and Strikeforce veteran Yancy Medeiros at UFC 159 on 27 April 2013.

The fight ended in unusual fashion as Medeiros dislocated his thumb during a takedown by Khabilov early in the first round, resulting in a TKO victory for Khabilov as Medeiros was unable to continue.

For his third UFC fight, Khabilov faced Jorge Masvidal on 6 November 2013 at UFC: Fight for the Troops 3.

He won the back-and-forth bout via unanimous decision.

The fight also garnered Khabilov his first Fight of the Night bonus award.

Khabilov was expected to face Rafael dos Anjos on 22 February 2014 at UFC 170.

However, the bout was cancelled in the weeks leading up to the event due to an injury suffered by Khabilov.

Khabilov faced Benson Henderson on 7 June 2014 in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov.

He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.

Khabilov was expected to face Danny Castillo on 3 January 2015 at UFC 182.

However, Khabilov pulled out of the bout due to alleged visa issues.

Khabilov faced Adriano Martins on 22 February 2015 at UFC Fight Night 61.

He lost the fight via split decision.

A rescheduled bout with Danny Castillo was expected to take place on 25 July 2015 at UFC on Fox 16.

However, for a second time, Khabilov was removed from the pairing due to alleged visa issues.

Castillo faced Jim Miller at the event.

Khabilov faced Norman Parke on 27 February 2016 at UFC Fight Night 84.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Khabilov was tabbed as an injury replacement for Rashid Magomedov to face Chris Wade on 8 May 2016 at UFC Fight Night 87.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Khabilov was expected to face Reza Madadi on 3 September 2016 at UFC Fight Night 93.

However, on 25 July, Madadi pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Leandro Silva.

Khabilov won the fight via unanimous decision.

Khabilov next faced Jason Saggo on 10 December 2016 at UFC 206.

He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.

Khabilov faced Desmond Green on 2 September 2017 at UFC Fight Night 115.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.