Early career Ali Isaev was born to a
Dargin family on 18 December 1983 in the city Makhatchkala. Isaev is a Freestyle wrestling European champion. He made his professional MMA debut in April 2016. He fought his first four fights exclusively for
Fight Nights Global and went undefeated with two decision wins and two knockout wins.
Professional Fighters League PFL season 2019 In the summer of 2019, Isaev began competing in the Heavyweight division of the
Professional Fighters League. In his debut, he defeated
Valdrin Istrefi by unanimous decision at
PFL 3 on June 6, 2019. In his second fight for the promotion, Isayev defeated Carl Seumanutafa also by unanimous decision at
PFL 6 on August 8, 2019. On October 31, 2019, he fought twice in one night in the
2019 PFL Heavyweight tournament. He defeated
Kelvin Tiller by decision and
Denis Goltsov by TKO in the quarterfinal and semifinal bouts, respectively. He faced
Jared Rosholt in the finals at
PFL 10 on December 31, 2019. Isayev won the fight via TKO in the fourth round to claim the 2019 Heavyweight Championship.
PFL season 2021 Isaev was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Hatef Moeil on May 6, 2021, at
PFL 3. However, during the week of the event, it was announced that the bout was pulled for unknown reasons and would be rescheduled for June. Isaev was scheduled to face Renan Ferreira on June 25, 2021, at
PFL 6. Isaev was forced to withdraw from the event after not being medically cleared to compete. Stepping in for Isaev to fight Renan Ferreira was PFL newcomer Stuart Austin.
PFL season 2022 Isaev was scheduled to face
Klidson Abreu on April 28, 2022, at
PFL 2. However, Isaev pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Adam Keresh. Isaev was scheduled to face Jamelle Jones on June 24, 2022, at
PFL 5. However, Isaev once again pulled out of the bout.
Bellator MMA On September 30, 2022, it was announced that Isaev had signed a multi-fight deal with
Bellator MMA. Isaev made his Bellator debut against Steve Mowry on February 4, 2023, at
Bellator 290. The bout concluded in a unanimous draw. Isaev was scheduled to face
Daniel James on November 17, 2023, at
Bellator 301. The week of the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons. ==Personal life==