Near Tragedy Averted: Dagestani MMA Fighter Survives Shooting Attack

Faruq Ibrahim 20:59 - 16 July 2025

Timur Khizriev in action

Russian MMA fighter of Dagestani descent, Timur Kizriev, was attacked outside his building while retrieving items from his car. Two assailants fired five shots at him, but he fortunately escaped death and is currently out of danger.

The attack occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. Surveillance footage shows Kizriev bending down to pick something up when the assailants approached and opened fire. However, Kizriev, an MMA fighter, despite being shot at, managed to grab one of the attackers and take him down with a wrestling move. The other assailant continued shooting but quickly fled upon seeing this.

Despite being shot multiple times, Kizriev is currently not in critical condition thanks to swift medical intervention, according to Russian news agency TASS.

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Timur Kizriev is the reigning champion in his weight class in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), boasting a perfect 4-0 record in the organisation. His overall professional MMA record is unblemished at 18-0.

The motive for the attack remains unknown, and Russian media outlets report that police have launched a comprehensive investigation.