Makwan Amirkhani

Fighter Facts

• Pro since 2010
   
• 11 wins by submission (2 Anaconda, 2 brabo, 3 RNC, triangle, 2 heel hook, guillotine), four by decision, one by KO
   
• 11 first round finishes
   
• Has won seven of his last 12
   
• Origin of nickname: “The most handsome fighter in the country.” 

UFC History

UFC 267 (10/30/21) Amirkhani was knocked out by Lerone Murphy (knee) at :14 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (6/5/21) Amirkhani lost a three round unanimous decision to Kamuela Kirk
UFC Fight Night (10/10/20) Amirkhani lost a three round unanimous decision to Edson Barboza
UFC 251 (7/12/20) Amirkhani submitted Danny Henry via anaconda choke at 3:15 of the first round
UFC 244 (11/2/19) Amirkhani was stopped by Shane Burgos via strikes at 4:32 of the third round
UFC Fight Night (6/1/19) Amirkhani submitted Chris Fishgold via anaconda choke at 4:25 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (5/27/18) Amirkhani won a three round split decision over Jason Knight
UFC Fight Night (3/18/17) Amirkhani lost a three round split decision to Arnold Allen
UFC Fight Night (2/27/16) Amirkhani won a three round unanimous decision over Mike Wilkinson
UFC Fight Night (6/20/15) Amirkhani submitted Masio Fullen via rear naked choke at 1:41 of the first round
UFC on FOX (1/24/15) Amirkhani stopped Andy Ogle via strikes at :08 of the first round

Q&A

TRAINING: I wake up and all I think about is this fight. I was ready for this fight a long time ago, but now the time just feels right.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training wrestling because I was forced to by my brothers. I started MMA because there were no wrestlers my size. I felt I needed to do something more, so after 16 years of wrestling I switched to MMA. 
What ranks and titles have you held? I’m Finnish champ in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. And I have around 800 wrestling matches.
Do you have any heroes? My hero is my dad. He brought us to Finland so we can live a better life. Even though he is not around anymore, I still feel that he is watching me from Heaven very proudly.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a lot, and it was something even my own family thought was not possible. So it’s a dream coming true. I feel I’m like Aladdin, the diamond that hasn’t been found yet.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I finished my school with a degree in Sports Science. 
What was your job before you started fighting? I was working as a bouncer in Finland
Favorite grappling technique: Flying armbar
Favorite striking technique: Head kick