Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov was born in the city of Türkmenabat, but grew up in a nearby village. At the age of six, in addition to going to school-where he studied at the 1st comprehensive school in his native village-he signed up for a karate lessons. After several years of training, Yagshimuradov became one of the best karatekas among his peers, taking the under-11 championship and eventually winning gold at the national level tournament. In the 7th grade, he switched to kickboxing. Upon reaching the age of eligibility, Yagshimuradov joined the army, and after demobilization, he lived in his homeland for a little less than a year and left for Kharkiv to pursue his college education. == Mixed martial arts career ==

Early career As a student, in 2011, Dovletdzhan began to visit the hall where combat sports were taught. In March 2012, Yagshimuradov was asked to compete at the Oplot Challenge 1 tournament against the Czech Rudolf Kriz, which started the path of the Turkmen fighter in mixed martial arts. On December 14, 2019, at ACA 103: Yagshimuradov vs. Butorin, Dovlet defended the AСA Light Heavyweight title against Alexey Butorin, winning the fight via unanimous decision. Bellator MMA In December 2020, Dovletdzhan signed a contract with the Bellator MMA. Dovletdzhan was scheduled to made his Bellator debut on April 9, 2021, at Bellator 256 against Corey Anderson in quarterfinal round of Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. On March 26, it was announced that the bout would be moved to Bellator 257 on April 16. He lost the bout via third-round technical knockout. Dovletdzhan faced Karl Albektsson at Bellator 268 on October 16, 2021, losing the bout via unanimous decision. Yagshimuradov was scheduled to face Tony Johnson at Bellator 277 on April 15, 2022. However, due to an injury, Johnson was forced to pull out and was replaced by former Bellator Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho. Dovletdzhan won the bout in the second round via TKO. Dovletdzhan faced Julius Anglickas at Bellator 292 on March 10, 2023. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Dovletdzhan faced Maciej Różański on October 7, 2023, at Bellator 300. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Professional Fighters League Dovletdzhan started the 2024 season against Jakob Nedoh on April 12, 2024 at PFL 2. He won the fight in the first round by technical knockout. In his next bout on June 21, 2024 at PFL 5, Dovletdzhan faced Simon Biyong, winning the bout via unanimous decision. Dovletdzhan faced Rob Wilkinson in the semifinals of the 2024 Light Heavyweight tournament on August 16, 2024 at PFL 8. He won the fight by unanimous decision. In the final, Yagshimuradov faced Impa Kasanganay on November 29, 2024, at PFL 10. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. ==Championships and accomplishments==

• Professional Fighters League • 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Championship • Absolute Championship Akhmat • ACA Light Heavyweight Championship (One time; First) • One successful title defense • Absolute Championship Berkut • ACB Light Heavyweight Championship (One time; Last) • Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Joachim Christensen on November 25, 2017 • Oplot Challenge • OC 2012-2013 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner ==Mixed martial arts record==

In 2022, Yagshimuradov played the role of Balaban Alp in the Turkish television series Kuruluş: Osman Season 3. Balaban Alp is a normal Selcuk soldier who joins Osman and becomes his Alp as he comes with a messenger of Sultan Alaeddin. Television == See also ==