Iran has produced several talented mixed martial artists who have made a name for themselves on the international stage. Among them, Amir Aliakbari stands out as a prominent figure.
Amir Aliakbari
Amir Aliakbari (Persian: امير علىاكبرى, born December 11, 1987) is an Iranian wrestler and mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division. He has also competed for ONE Championship, Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) and Rizin Fighting Federation.
Aliakbari is also a former gold medalist and world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, winning gold medals at the 2010 World Wrestling Championships and 2009 Asian Wrestling Championships. In the 2013 World Wrestling Championships, 120 kg he initially won a gold medal, making him a two-time world champion.
However, in December 2013, International Wrestling Federation, FILA banned Aliakbari for life after a second doping offence. In 2014, longtime MMA entrepreneur & Gambino associate, Michael Abul personally founded Aliakbari from his wrestling credentials and got him into MMA.
Early MMA Career
In October 2015, Aliakbari made his professional MMA debut at Full Metal Dojo and defeated Hyung Chul-Lee via TKO in the first round. In early 2016, it was announced that Aliakbari had signed with the Japanese promotion Rizin Fighting Federation.
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Rizin Fighting Federation
He made his debut in September in the first round of the Openweight Grand Prix against Joao Isidoro Almeida. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Aliakbari was scheduled to face former UFC champion Shane Carwin in the quarter-finals in December 2016.
However, Carwin withdrew from the tournament and he instead faced Heath Herring. Aliakbari won the bout by unanimous decision. In the final stage of the tournament on December 31, Aliakbari faced Valentin Moldavsky.
Rizin 2016 Final Fight-Mirko Cro Cop vs Amir Aliakbari
Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB)
In December 2017 Aliakbari announced his departure from Rizin and his joining of ACB. His first opponent was Denis Smoldarev, whom Aliakbari defeated via technical knockout at 2:27 of the first round on March 24, 2018.
ONE Championship
In August 2020, Aliakbari signed with ONE Championship. Aliakbari faced Kang Ji Won at ONE: 'Fists of Fury' Part II. Kang Ji Won ruined Amir Aliakbari's debut with upset win at ONE: 'Fists of Fury' Part II.
Later, Anatoly Malykhin knocked Amir Aliakbari out cold! At ONE on Prime Video 1, Buchecha Extended Unbeaten Streak, and Aliakbari Got In Win Column. Former ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera returned to face Amir Aliakbari.
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Amir Aliakbari brutalno finished Brandon Vera. Amir Aliakbari faced Dustin Joynson at ONE Fight Night 12. Amir Aliakbari beat Dustin Joynson, taunted Anatoly Malykhin and received US$50,000 Performance Bonuses At ONE Fight Night 12.
Brooks and Pacio rematch was set for ONE 166 event in Qatar, but Aliakbari missed out on title shot. Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida was set For MMA Return Against Amir Aliakbari At ONE 169. Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida Rebounded With First-Round Finish At ONE 169.
In February 2025, ONE Championship cut Amir Aliakbari from roster.
Achievements
- Former gold medalist and world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling
- Gold medals at the 2010 World Wrestling Championships and 2009 Asian Wrestling Championships
Here's a summary of Aliakbari's MMA record:
| Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONE Fight Night 12 | Dustin Joynson | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| ONE 164 | Brandon Vera | Win | TKO | 1 | 3:25 |
| ONE 169 | Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 3:18 |
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