Who Is Asu Almabayev? The Kazakh UFC Flyweight Known as “Zulfikar”

Almabayev owns a professional MMA record of 24-3 and has defeated respected opponents including Alex Perez, Charles Johnson, Matheus Nicolau, Jose Johnson, C.J. Vergara, Ode Osbourne, Zach Makovsky, and Chris Kelades. Before joining the UFC, he also captured the interim M-1 Global Flyweight Championship and built a strong résumé across Brave CF, Naiza FC, M-1 Global, and regional promotions.

Asu Almabayev Fighter Information

What Is Asu Almabayev Known For?

Almabayev is best known for five things:

• His grappling-heavy fighting style.
• His strong submission game.
• Becoming interim M-1 Global Flyweight Champion.
• Representing Kazakhstan in the UFC.
• His rise through several international MMA promotions.

Although Almabayev can strike when needed, his biggest strength comes from control. He pressures opponents, forces grappling exchanges, and constantly searches for dominant positions. As a result, he has earned many of his victories by submission or decision.

Why Is Asu Almabayev Called “Zulfikar”?

Almabayev competes under the nickname “Zulfikar.”

The name carries a strong warrior-like feel and fits his approach inside the cage. He rarely fights recklessly. Instead, he stays disciplined, controls the pace, and attacks with purpose.

Moreover, his nickname matches the serious, no-nonsense style that has helped him climb the flyweight rankings.

Asu Almabayev’s Early Life

Almabayev was born in the village of Janatalap in Kazakhstan’s Jambyl Region.

He spent much of his early childhood with his grandparents before moving to Almaty with his family. At age five, he started wrestling, which gave him the base that later became central to his MMA game.

After moving to Almaty, he also trained in karate, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In addition, he worked at a market where his parents had a small shop, balancing everyday responsibilities with combat sports.

How Did Asu Almabayev Get Into MMA?

Almabayev first built himself through wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he became a champion of Kazakhstan and Asia. However, he eventually turned toward mixed martial arts after watching MMA on television while studying in college.

That decision changed his career path. He made his professional MMA debut in 2013 and won by unanimous decision.

Asu Almabayev’s Early MMA Career

Almabayev’s early career included both fast progress and difficult setbacks.

After winning his debut, he returned from a layoff and collected several victories across Alash Pride, Tech-Krep FC, and Fight Nights Global. However, he later suffered back-to-back losses against Tagir Ulanbekov and Mehman Mamedov in 2017.

Those defeats became a turning point. Almabayev responded by winning 13 straight fights across several organizations, including ACB, Alash Pride, Fight Nights Global, Naiza FC, M-1 Global, and Brave CF.

Becoming M-1 Global Champion

Almabayev captured one of the biggest achievements of his pre-UFC career in 2019.

He faced Chris Kelades for the interim M-1 Global Flyweight Championship and won by unanimous decision. That victory gave him international credibility and proved he could win over championship rounds.

Afterward, he continued building momentum and later competed in Brave Combat Federation, where he added victories over Aleksander Doskalchuk, Imram Magaramov, Zach Makovsky, and Kenneth Maningat.

Asu Almabayev’s UFC Career

Almabayev made his UFC debut against Ode Osbourne in August 2023.

He immediately made an impact by winning via second-round rear-naked choke. That performance also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Afterward, Almabayev defeated C.J. Vergara, Jose Johnson, and Matheus Nicolau by unanimous decision. Although Manel Kape later handed him a TKO loss, Almabayev rebounded with strong wins over Jose Ochoa, Alex Perez, and Charles Johnson.

His submission wins over Perez and Johnson showed that his grappling remains dangerous against elite UFC competition.

What Is Asu Almabayev’s Fighting Style?

Almabayev is a grappler first.

He uses wrestling pressure, top control, and submission threats to slow opponents down and win rounds. However, he does not rely only on control. He also attacks with rear-naked chokes, guillotines, armbars, and leg submissions when openings appear.

Furthermore, Almabayev’s experience across several promotions gives him a calm, veteran approach. He rarely wastes energy, and he often forces opponents into uncomfortable, grinding fights.

What Has Asu Almabayev Accomplished?

Almabayev has built one of the strongest résumés among Kazakh flyweights.

His accomplishments include:

• UFC flyweight contender.
• Interim M-1 Global Flyweight Champion.
• Two UFC Performance of the Night bonuses.
• Former Naiza FC Flyweight Champion.
• Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion of Kazakhstan and Asia.
• Victories over Alex Perez, Charles Johnson, Matheus Nicolau, and Ode Osbourne.
• More than 20 professional MMA victories.

Why Asu Almabayev Stands Out

Many flyweights win with speed and striking. However, Asu Almabayev wins through patience, control, and grappling discipline.

He has traveled a long road from Kazakhstan’s regional scene to the UFC rankings. Along the way, he overcame early career losses, captured titles, and defeated experienced opponents across multiple promotions.

With his submission skills, wrestling base, and veteran mindset, “Zulfikar” remains one of the most dangerous grapplers in the UFC flyweight division.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Asu Almabayev?

Asu Almabayev is a Kazakh mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC flyweight division. He is a former interim M-1 Global Flyweight Champion.

Why is Asu Almabayev called “Zulfikar”?

Almabayev uses the nickname “Zulfikar,” which fits his disciplined, warrior-like fighting style and grappling-heavy approach.

What is Asu Almabayev’s fighting style?

Almabayev is a grappling-focused fighter who uses wrestling pressure, top control, and submissions to defeat opponents.