Shamil Gamzatov

Background

He was born in Kizlyar city, Dagestan, Soviet Union into a devout Sunni muslim family of Avar origin from Tsurib village, Charodinsky District. He started to train in freestyle wrestling at 8 years of age, after an injured knee he retired. At 15 years of age he started to train in Amateur MMA under Zalimkhan Tatev. He won European and World MMA titles in amateur level. Also he is Dagestan national kickboxing champion, 3x grappling Abdu-Dabi tournament winner. Combat Sambo North Caucasian championships 3rd 2015 at 100 kg. At the World Grappling Championships (World Grappling Association) he won the gold medal at 92 kilos.

Gamzatov said of his changing of sports as a kid, “ changed various sports and performed in them: combat sambo, grappling, amateur MMA. Then there was a transition to MMA and there was a debut and so began my career as a professional!