Just over a year ago, Muhammad Naimov, a former contestant on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), was seeking another shot at the UFC spotlight. After exiting the annual talent search following a loss to Collin Anglin in Season 4 and a subsequent defeat at Titan FC, Naimov bounced back, racking up three consecutive wins on the regional scene.
Today, Naimov is preparing for his fourth UFC bout, having successfully extended his winning streak to six. This impressive run includes two notable victories last year and a third win in early 2024 within the UFC’s challenging environment.
Splitting his training time between Southwest Russia and the Elevation Fight Team in Denver, the Tajikistan native made an impactful promotional debut. He stepped in on short notice, moved up a weight class, and secured a second-round stoppage against the seasoned Australian fighter Jamie Mullarkey.
Following a tough fight with Nathaniel Wood at UFC 294, where Naimov emerged victorious on the scorecards, he quickly returned to action in February. In this outing, he claimed a win just 44 seconds into the first round due to an injury stoppage when his opponent Erik Silva sustained a leg injury.
Naimov’s early UFC career has seen a series of unusual matchups, and the trend continues with his upcoming fight against DWCS graduate Melsik Baghdasaryan. Baghdasaryan, a 32-year-old kickboxer, last fought in July, defeating Tucker Lutz. He has had limited exposure, with only four fights since joining the UFC roster in September 2020 following a victory over Dennis Buzukja.
For Naimov, the upcoming bout is more than just another fight; it's an opportunity to maintain his momentum and possibly secure a significant position in the featherweight rankings. With the division currently experiencing a lot of movement, a fourth consecutive UFC win and seventh overall could propel “Hillman” into the Top 15 as the year progresses.