Last fight
Draw
Castaneda vs Vologdin
Apr. 18, 2026
Stats & Records
6
Wins by Knockout
4
Wins by Submission
6
First Round Finishes
Significant Strikes include all strikes at distance, plus power strikes in the clinch and on the ground.
Striking accuracy
- Sig. Strikes Landed
- 208
- Sig. Strikes Attempted
- 442
A takedown is awarded when a fighter deliberately grapples an opponent to the ground and establishes an advantageous position for an appreciable amount of time.
Takedown Accuracy
- Takedowns Landed
- 1
- Takedowns Attempted
- 7
- Sig. Str. Defense is the percentage of significant strikes attempted against a fighter that do not land.
- Takedown defense is the percentage of takedowns attempted against a fighter that do not land.
- Knockdown Avg. is the average number of knockdowns per 15 Minutes window.
Sig. Str. by target
athlete record
Info
Status
Active
Place of Birth
Russia
Trains at
Allstars Training Center
Fighting style
Karate
Age
26
Height
63.00
Weight
136.00
Octagon Debut
Apr. 18, 2026
Reach
65.00
Leg reach
37.00
- Pro Since 2018
- Had an epic fight on DWCS in October winning a UFC Contract and a $25,000 bonus in a loss
- Loss on DWCS snapped a 7-fight win streak, first loss since June 2021
- Last four wins have come via first-round finish (2 KOs, 2 subs)
- Six wins by KO, four by submission (Arm Triangle, North South Choke, Triangle, 1 Unknown Submission)
- Six first-round finishes, four second-round finishes
- 3-3 record at bantamweight, 9-2-1 at flyweight
- Has only been finished once as a pro
- Shortest UFC bantamweight at 5’3”
- One of four Russian UFC bantamweights (Petr Yan, Said Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov)
- Has been in Vegas since his DWCS fight training at the UFC PI, Syndicate & BKMMA
UFC Fight Night (4/18/26) Vologdin and John Castaneda fought to a majority draw
Dana White's Contender Series, Season 9
Episode 9 (10/7/25) Vologdin lost a three round unanimous decision to Adrian Martinetti
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Kyokushin Karate at the age of 4 and continued until I was 17. I was brought into the sport by my older brother — that’s how my journey began.
What professional titles have you held? Bantamweight Champion (61.2 kg) in the Swedish promotion AFN, with two successful first-round title defenses.
Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? 6-time medalist and champion of Russian Kyokushin Karate Championships, European and World Champion in Kyokushin Karate, medalist at the Russian All-Combat discipline.
Any belts/ ranks in striking disciplines? Master of Sports of Russia in Kyokushin Karate, Master of Sports in All-Combat discipline.
Who is your favorite fighter and why? Georges St-Pierre — he came from my background in karate and became one of the greatest MMA fighters. I also admire Petr Yan for his fighting style and character — I know him personally and he’s a great person. Khamzat Chimaev — we trained together, he is an incredible athlete and person. And Demetrious Johnson — a legend, a very smart and skilled fighter.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, I graduated from the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health in Saint Petersburg. My degree is in coaching, with a specialization in Sambo.
What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a coach and also as a driver for the Russian court bailiffs, representing them in competitions.
Personal Life / Background: I was born in Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russia. I come from a close family — my parents, an older brother, and a younger brother. Now I train and live in Stockholm, Sweden, representing Allstars Training Center.
What are your hobbies, activities or other interests when not training for a fight? I enjoy cooking, gaming, fishing, and spending time in nature. I also like creating social media content and developing my personal brand.
Please list any other information you think is relevant for our broadcasting team: I come from a traditional martial arts background and represent the new wave of Russian fighters training abroad. I want to show that anyone — even a kid from a small republic with no money, no connections, and no developed fighting culture — can achieve their dreams with enough will and determination. I want to inspire young fighters who think it’s impossible and prove that everything is possible if you want it badly enough.
