Early life
Naurdiev was born in Grozny, Chechnya, Russia [1] and his family left the war-torn city and moved to Austria in 2004 when he was nine years old for a safe and better life. He started training in wrestling and transitioned to MMA when he was a teenager. At the beginning of his MMA professional career, Naurdiev did not have any trainers or sparring partners but would accept every fight offered to him for experience. [2]
Yes, [I have] only Austrian [citizenship]. I speak to the UFC only to fight under the flag of Austria, because this country has given me everything. I give them credit. I feel good in Austria, but I do not forget my roots. [2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Naurdiev fought in the European-based promotions, notably Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formally known as Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), and amassed a record of 17–2 prior to joining UFC. [5]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Naurdiev made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos on February 23, 2019. He faced Michel Prazeres, replacing injured Ramazan Emeev, [6] and won the fight by unanimous decision. [7]
On July 6, 2019, Naurdiev faced Chance Rencountre at UFC 239. [8] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [9]
Naurdiev next faced Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Cannonier on September 28, 2019. [10] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [11]
Naurdiev faced Sean Brady on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 169. [12] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [13]
On March 19, 2020, it was reported that Naurdiev parted way with UFC. [14] Later, Naurdiev elaborated that after fighting out his four-fight rookie contract with a record of 2–2, the organization was not interested in re-signing him. [15]
Post-UFC career
On August 24, 2020, news surfaced that Naurdiev had signed with Elite MMA Championship and was expected to make his promotional debut in the promotion's welterweight grand prix at EMC 5 on September 5, 2020. [16] He faced Tymoteusz Łopaczyk and won the fight via unanimous decision, advancing to the grand prix final. [17]
In the final, Naurdiev was expected to face Amiran Gogoladze at EMC 6 on October 31, 2020. [18] However, Naurdiev withdrew from the bout due to an injury prior to the whole event being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [19] [20]
Brave Combat Federation
On February 26, 2021, Naurdiev announced that he signed a multi-fight contract with Brave Combat Federation. [21] Subsequently, it was announced that Naurdiev will be challenging Jarrah Al-Silawi for the BRAVE CF Super Welterweight Championship at Brave CF 50 on April 1, 2021. [22] He lost in the second round after he injured his leg from a kick. [23]
Naurdiev faced Olli Santalahti on September 25, 2021, at Brave CF 54. He won the bout via unanimous decision. [24]
Naurdiev faced Bekten Zheenbekov on June 18, 2022 at Brave CF 59. He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round. [25]
Naurdiev faced Marcin Bandel for the vacant Brave CF Super Welterweight Championship at Brave CF 63. He lost the bout in the first round after being dropped by Bandel and submitted with an armbar. [26]
Naurdiev looked to rebound against Vadim Kutsy on December 17, 2022 at Brave CF 68, however he lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round. [27]
Naurdiev moved up to Middleweight and faced Tahar Hadbi on December 8, 2023 at Brave CF 79, winning the bout via guillotine choke in the first round. [28]
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