Tofiq Musayev Record: 23-6-0

RIZIN run and Grand Prix title

In RIZIN, Musayev became a star. He outpointed UFC veteran Daron Cruickshank over three rounds in June 2019, then went on a tear through the promotion's 2019 Lightweight Grand Prix. He blasted Damien Brown with a first-round head kick and punches in October, then on New Year's Eve stopped Johnny Case in the opening round before defeating Bellator standout Patricky Pitbull by unanimous decision in the final to claim the Grand Prix crown – the signature achievement of his career.

Global circuit and the UFC

Musayev kept fighting the best available opposition across promotions. After a 2021 submission loss to Roberto de Souza, he knocked out Sidney Outlaw in the first round at Bellator 283 in 2022, then dropped a body-kick TKO to Alexander Shabliy at Bellator 292 before returning to RIZIN for more knockouts. The UFC finally came calling in 2025, and Musayev debuted in his home country at UFC Baku, where he was submitted by Myktybek Orolbai with a first-round kimura. He rebounded impressively in March 2026, outpointing Ignacio Bahamondes over three rounds for a unanimous decision, and is scheduled to face Ľudovít Klein in a UFC lightweight bout.

Fighting style

Musayev is a knockout machine: 18 of his 23 wins have come by KO or TKO, against just two submissions and three decisions, for an 87% finish rate that ranks among the most lethal in the division. His traditional-striking roots show in a diverse, powerful arsenal – spinning attacks, head kicks and crisp, fight-ending punching combinations – and he hunts the finish relentlessly. The clear soft spot is his grappling: four of his six losses have come by submission, including his UFC debut, and high-level grapplers remain the most reliable way to neutralize his ferocious offense. When the fight stays standing, though, few lightweights are as dangerous.

Career highlights

• 2019 RIZIN Lightweight Grand Prix champion — won the tournament by defeating Patricky Pitbull in the final, the defining title of his career.
• 87% finish rate — 18 of his 23 wins have come by knockout, including first-round stoppages of Johnny Case and Sidney Outlaw.
• Wins over elite competition — beat UFC and Bellator veterans including Daron Cruickshank and Patricky Pitbull across RIZIN and Bellator before reaching the UFC.