Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC Record at Risk as Myktybek Orolbai Vows to Top Takedown Charts

UFC Vegas 114 fighter Myktybek Orolbai almost broke Khabib Nurmagomedov's record for 21 takedowns in a single fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC Record at Risk as Myktybek Orolbai Vows to Top Takedown Charts

Myktybek Orolbai is ready to take over Khabib Nurmagomedov's record (via MMA Mania, X)

In Short
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov's single-fight takedown record of 21 is at risk as Myktybek Orolbai approaches that mark.
  • Orolbai secured 19 takedowns in his recent fight against Chris Curtis, placing him third in UFC history for single-fight takedowns.
  • Orolbai aims to surpass existing takedown records and has shown improved communication skills in interviews.

Khabib Nurmagomedov set a benchmark for many athletes in modern MMA through his unmatched dominance. His blend of Dagestani wrestling and Sambo overwhelmed opponents and made him nearly untouchable inside the Octagon. However, the former champion’s long-standing single-fight takedown record of 21 now appears under threat as welterweight Myktybek Orolbai edges closer to that mark.

At UFC Vegas 114, Orolbai delivered a dominant grappling performance against Chris Curtis. The Kyrgyz welterweight relied on relentless wrestling pressure, repeatedly closing the distance and forcing the fight to the canvas. By the end of the three-round contest, Orolbai had secured 19 takedowns, controlling long stretches of the action and earning a clear unanimous decision victory, scored 30-27 by all three judges.

The bout against Curtis placed Orolbai among an elite group for single-fight takedowns. His total of 19 sits just behind Nurmagomedov’s 2013 performance against Abel Trujillo, where he completed 21 takedowns. The second spot belongs to Merab Dvalishvili, who recorded 20 takedowns against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. During the post-fight presser, Orolbai expressed interest in surpassing those records.

This is no problem. I am more time humble fighter, cage closes and I am dangerous. Next fight more takedowns, this is only the start. No hard, takedown is easy.

Myktybek Orolbai via UFC Vegas 114 press conference

Three of Orolbai’s five UFC wins have come via finishes, showing his ability to end fights decisively. The Kyrgyz star has proven to be a durable and dangerous competitor inside the Octagon. His recent run follows his first UFC loss to Mateusz Rebecki at UFC 308. Before facing Curtis, Orolbai had already returned to the win column with a knockout over Jack Hermansson at UFC Qatar in November 2025.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance on the ground redefined grappling in modern MMA. His Dagestani wrestling and Sambo allowed him to control opponents while minimizing risk. The style inspired fighters from the Caucasus, including Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, to adopt similar techniques. His influence on training and competition has had a major cultural impact on fighters from the region and beyond.

Myktybek Orolbai has long been a fan favourite but usually struggled with English in interviews. At the UFC Vegas 114 post-fight press conference, he spoke in near-perfect English and was praised by reporters. Following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s philosophy that fighters should learn English to engage audiences, Orolbai’s communication skills complement his record-setting grappling performances.

Khabib Nurmagomedov hints at dirty politics influencing the UFC

UFC CEO Dana White has emphasized that fighters should control their own careers and actively market themselves. This approach encourages athletes to engage with media and build personal brands. However, fighters from non-English-speaking backgrounds often struggle to connect with audiences. Limited language skills can make it harder to gain the same recognition as English-speaking peers.

Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about current UFC politics
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about current UFC politics (via The Mirror)

However, fighters from the Caucasus region continue to dominate the UFC’s top contenders despite limited English skills. Their success is driven by elite wrestling, Sambo, and grappling techniques that are difficult for opponents to counter. Khabib Nurmagomedov recently explained that the UFC often avoids signing fighters who cannot speak English, prioritizing marketability over skill.

Magomedovs and Nurmagomedovs go to the UFC and come over. US promotions don’t like it. They just come, smash people, and take money and US promotions don’t like it. They like trash-talking. I understand in one way it’s business, but at the end of the day, this is sport.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via WSS

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s approach shows that being the best fighter is rooted in skill and discipline, not in trash talk or marketing. His mindset, instilled by his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, emphasized mastery of wrestling and fight IQ over secondary concerns. This philosophy allowed him to dominate opponents and paved the way for other Caucasus fighters to succeed despite language barriers.

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