In a shocking and brutal attack, undefeated MMA fighter Timur Khizriev was left with five gunshot wounds during a seemingly unprovoked attack in Dagestan, Russia.
‘Imam’ is one of many rising stars hailing from Makhachkala, and the 29-year-old’s physical prowess inside the cage has been a handful for each of his opponents. With over a decade of experience in the sport, the wrestler has been grinding out wins for some time, but his biggest victory came eight months ago during the PFL 2024 Championships.
Timur Khizriev earned a unanimous decision victory over former PFL Championships winner Brendan Loughnane on his way to being crowned the 2024 featherweight world champion.
While his battle in the cage has been a tough one, it’s nothing compared to what he is dealing with now. Khizriev was targeted and attacked by two thugs in Dagestan, Russia.
Khizriev was shot in the back by two marauding criminals as he attempted to unload his car. While the first bullet hit the unknowing MMA fighter, he was still able to turn around and secure a takedown on the man before his accomplice fired several more shots.
The PFL ace took the opportunity to flee, sprinting away and hurdling over parked cars before he sustained any more physical harm.
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According to an MMA Newspaper in Russia, Khizriev is still alive.
“In Makhachkala, PFL champion Timur Khizriev was shot,” The post claimed. “Two masked men ambushed Timur in the courtyard of a residential building on Daniyalov Street.”
“When he got out of the [vehicle], the attackers opened fire. The athlete was hit by 5 bullets from a traumatic pistol. Khizriev is in surgery, alive.”
Timur Khizriev was linked with a move over to the UFC before agreeing to a deal with the PFL. The surging star has much potential in the sport, and it would be a shame to see it go to waste in such devastating fashion should he succumb to his wounds.
Watch the extremely disturbing footage below.
🚨В Махачкале расстреляли чемпиона PFL Тимура Хизриева (18-0).
Двое в масках подкараулили Тимура во дворе жилого дома на улице Даниялова. Когда он вышел из гелендвагена, нападавшие открыли стрельбу. В спортсмена попали 5 пуль от травмата пистолета. Хизриев в операционной, жив. pic.twitter.com/KnUN4NYRKX
— Вестник ММА (@VestnikMMA) July 15, 2025
