Turkmen MMA Star — Dowletjan Yagshymuradov
From Turkmenabat to global champion — Dowletjan Yagshymuradov is more than just an athlete; he is a sportsman who has introduced his country and sport to the world.
Born in 1989 in Turkmenabat, the capital of Lebap province, Dowletjan showed early talent in sports. He started karate at age 6 and soon became a champion of Turkmenistan. He later excelled in kickboxing and hanmudo. But his destiny lay in mixed martial arts (MMA).
In 2021, he joined the American organization Bellator. His debut opponent was the powerful Corey Anderson. Though the fight was tough, Dowletjan stood out with his endurance and strong character.
He then defeated Brazilian Rafael Carvalho and Lithuanian Julius Anglickas, proving he was one of the top fighters in the world.
In 2024, he won the PFL (Professional Fighters League) championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by knocking out American Impa Kasanganay in just 58 seconds. The global media called it a “lightning-fast victory.”
In 2022, he appeared in the famous Turkish series Kuruluş: Osman, showing serious acting talent.
A proud son of Lebap, Dowletjan is a role model for young athletes. His mission is to etch his name into MMA history and continue raising Turkmenistan's flag around the world.
