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 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. 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
Farès Ziam on December 6, 2025 at
UFC 323. He lost the fight by technical knockout via punches and elbows in the second round. Sadykhov was scheduled to face MarQuel Mederos on April 11, 2026 at
UFC 327. However, Sadykhov withdrew to an injury and was replaced by Chris Padilla. Sadykhov is scheduled to face Matheus Camilo on June 27, 2026, at
UFC Fight Night 280. == Championships and accomplishments ==