Marat Gafurov (“Cobra”) is one of the few undefeated fighters in the world of mixed martial arts. His current stats are: 15 wins in 15 fights. Now playing in the organization ONE Championship, is the champion in the featherweight category. Nationality is Kumyk.
Childhood and youth
The future champion was born on November 21, 1985 in the village of Ishkarty, Buinaksk District, the Republic of Dagestan. From childhood, parents noticed his outstanding strength. At the age of 15, he moved with his family to Makhachkala, where he began to engage in martial arts. The biography of Marat Gafurov consists of many facets in sports terms. First, he became interested in martial arts of Wushu Sansu, and then Jiu-Jitsu. His first coach was Abdulla Magomedov, under whose leadership Marat became the winner of the championship of Dagestan.
Later, he performed in grappling, army hand-to-hand combat and sambo. He achieved great success in jujitsu. Marat Gafurov managed to become the champion of the republic, country and world in this military discipline.
Career at MMA
8 years ago, back in 2009, Marat spent his first mixed martial arts fight at a tournament in Sochi. He held the debut match in the M-1 organization in Malaysia in 2014. His rival was Australian Rob Lysit. The battle did not last long, after a successful hikik performed by Marat Gafurov, his opponent fell to the floor and was strangled.
Of all the achievements of "Cobra", the following can be distinguished:
- gold medal of the world championship in pankration in 2010;
- in the same year he won the world grappling competition;
- winner of the black belt of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu;
- undefeated champion.
Battle style
After 15 fights held, it can be noted that Marat Gafurov is a first-class grappler, because he won the vast majority of his victories with the help of painful tricks. Once he managed to send the opponent to the knockout (in the battle with Yuri Ivlev). 4 victories were obtained by a judicial decision.
In 2012, Marat met with the rather successful fighter Mayrbek Taysumov. After very close three rounds, Marat won the victory by a split decision. “Cobra” in battle is very active and agile, it is a very uncomfortable opponent for its opponents. It is difficult to catch him in pain, he always slips out. But Marat himself makes excellent use of the skills of his favorite martial art - jujitsu. Despite his age, he can still show the world his strength and talent, and perhaps one day he will perform in the best fighting organization of the planet.