Blagoy Ivanov, known as “Bagata,” is a Bulgarian mixed martial artist with a compelling story of resilience and triumph.
Born on October 9, 1986, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ivanov has carved out a notable career in the world of combat sports.
In this article, you will learn about Blagoy Ivanov’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Blagoy Ivanov Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blagoy Alexandrov Ivanov |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Nationality | Bulgarian |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Reach | 73 inches (185 cm) |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| Fighting Style | Mixed Martial Arts, Sambo, Judo |
| Notable Achievements | 2008 Combat Sambo World Champion, Former World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Champion |
| Professional Record | 19 wins, 7 losses, 1 no contest |
Blagoy Ivanov, a seasoned Bulgarian mixed martial artist, has had a dynamic career in the world of combat sports.
Early Career
Blagoy Ivanov’s journey into combat sports began with judo and sambo. He represented Bulgaria in various international competitions, showcasing his skills and determination.
Ivanov gained significant recognition in the world of combat sambo when he defeated the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in the semi-finals of the 2008 World Sambo Championships.
Professional Career
Blagoy Ivanov’s professional MMA career began with a series of impressive performances.
He started fighting in his home country, securing 2 wins and one no-contest before signing a 3-fight deal with World Victory Road.
Ivanov’s resilience was truly tested when he survived a near-fatal bar fight incident in 2012.
Blagoy Ivanov’s Net Worth Details
Blagoy Ivanov’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
- UFC Contract: Ivanov signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in April 2018. He made his debut against Junior dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 133.
- PFL Contract: After parting ways with the UFC, Ivanov joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2024. His debut fight in the PFL was against Sergei Bilostenniy, which he lost by unanimous decision.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pre-UFC | $500,000 |
| UFC Debut | $150,000 |
| Subsequent Fights | $200,000+ per fight |
Fight Records
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 19–7 (1 NC) | Sergei Bilostenniy | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 1 (2024) | April 4, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Loss | 19–6 (1 NC) | Alexander Romanov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Strickland vs. Magomedov | July 1, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Loss | 19–5 (1 NC) | Marcin Tybura | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivac | February 4, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Win | 19–4 (1 NC) | Marcos Rogério de Lima | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 274 | May 7, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Loss | 18–4 (1 NC) | Augusto Sakai | Decision (split) | UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns | May 30, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Loss | 18–3 (1 NC) | Derrick Lewis | Decision (split) | UFC 244 | November 2, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States |
| Win | 18–2 (1 NC) | Tai Tuivasa | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 238 | June 8, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Win | 17–2 (1 NC) | Ben Rothwell | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. dos Santos | March 9, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 |
FAQs
1. Who is Blagoy Ivanov?
Blagoy Ivanov is a Bulgarian mixed martial artist and former Combat Sambo World Champion. He competes in the heavyweight division and has fought in major organizations like UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting (WSOF). Known for his resilience, he holds notable victories over fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Fedor Emelianenko.
2. What are Blagoy Ivanov’s achievements in combat sports?
Ivanov won the 2008 Combat Sambo World Championship, defeating Fedor Emelianenko in the semifinals. He also held the WSOF Heavyweight Championship, defending it successfully multiple times. Additionally, he is a black belt in Judo and an International Master of Sports in Sambo.
3. How did Blagoy Ivanov survive a near-fatal stabbing incident?
Ivanov was stabbed during a bar altercation in Bulgaria, with the blade penetrating his heart and lung. After life-saving surgery and weeks in a medically induced coma, he made a miraculous recovery. He returned to MMA competition in 2013, winning his first fight back via submission.
4. What is Blagoy Ivanov’s MMA record?
Blagoy Ivanov has a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no contest. His victories include six by knockout, six by submission, and seven by decision.
5. What martial arts styles does Blagoy Ivanov specialize in?
Ivanov specializes in Combat Sambo, Judo, and Kickboxing. His well-rounded skill set has contributed to his success in both grappling and striking within MMA.
6. Who are some of the notable opponents Blagoy Ivanov has faced?
Ivanov has faced high-profile fighters such as Junior dos Santos, Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Alexander Volkov. He defeated Tai Tuivasa but lost to Junior dos Santos and Derrick Lewis via decision.
7. Why did Blagoy Ivanov choose MMA over the Olympics?
Although Ivanov was a skilled judoka who represented Bulgaria internationally, he chose to pursue MMA instead of competing in the Olympics because of his passion for professional fighting and the opportunities it offered.
8. What is Blagoy Ivanov’s connection to Fedor Emelianenko?
Ivanov defeated Fedor Emelianenko during the semifinals of the 2008 Combat Sambo World Championships. This victory remains one of his most significant achievements in combat sports.
9. How did Blagoy Ivanov perform in the UFC?
Ivanov debuted in the UFC on July 14, 2018, against Junior dos Santos but lost via unanimous decision. He later secured wins against fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Ben Rothwell but also suffered losses to Derrick Lewis and Augusto Sakai.
10. What is Blagoy Ivanov’s fighting style and physical attributes?
Standing at 5’11” (180 cm) with a reach of 73 inches (185 cm), Ivanov fights as a southpaw. His style combines powerful striking from kickboxing with grappling expertise from Judo and Sambo, making him a versatile heavyweight competitor.
