Yaroslav Amosov has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, earning praise for his dominant performances in his first two fights in the organization. The 32-year-old Ukrainian welterweight needed just a single round to overcome Neil Magny, a well-regarded gatekeeper, using an anaconda choke to secure the win. He then followed that up with a second-round submission of Joel Alvarez via arm-triangle choke. Both victories showcase Amosov's exceptional grappling and timing, earning him a growing reputation as a top contender.
Masvidal praises Amosov's skills
Jorge Masvidal, Amosov's teammate at American Top Team, recently came out with strong words for the Ukrainian fighter on the 'Deep Waters' podcast. Masvidal believes Amosov has the potential to eventually challenge and even defeat current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. He cited Amosov’s physical advantages—such as his height and reach—as well as his elite grappling background in Sambo. According to Masvidal, these traits give him a distinct edge over fighters at the top of the division, including Makhachev, who is known for his in-close grappling and body control.
Masvidal emphasized that Amosov's experience in Sambo, where he was reportedly a two-time world champion, should allow him to counter Makhachev's style effectively. With a solid foundation in wrestling and technical grappling, Amosov is seen as a nightmare matchup for Makhachev and the rest of the division's elite fighters. Whether it's through body locks, foot sweeps, or tight clinch work, Amosov appears ready to rise to the challenge at the highest level.
Amosov's background at Bellator
Before making the jump to the UFC, Amosov was the Bellator MMA welterweight champion, a title that affirmed his dominance in a competitive division. Bellator was once a major mixed martial arts organization, and while it has since been absorbed into the PFL, Amosov's achievements there demonstrated his world-class abilities. As the welterweight champion, he showed he could control and finish high-level opponents. His transition to the UFC has so far proven that he belongs among the best in the world.
Amosov's professional MMA record stands at an impressive 30-1, with 22 of his victories ending in stoppages. His only loss to date came in 2023 when he was stunned by Jason Jackson, an under-the-radar but dangerous opponent. Even with that single blemish, his overall track record—especially his success in the UFC—has generated buzz around his potential for a title shot. His two quick wins in the Octagon have set expectations high, and many believe he is only getting started.