Muin Gafurov has steadily carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of mixed martial arts, representing Tajikistan on the global stage.
Known for his aggressive combat sambo style and relentless pace, Gafurov has transitioned from being a young prodigy in ONE Championship to a rising contender in the UFC bantamweight division.
In this article, you will know Muin Gafurov’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Muin Gafurov’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Muin Gafurov |
| Nickname | Tajik |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | Tajikistani |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
| Education | Physical University (Diploma) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $250,000 |
| UFC Earnings | Approx. $80,000+ |
| Marital Status | Married |
| @muin_gafurov |
Early Career
Muin Gafurov’s journey into martial arts began deep in the mountains of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where fighting is a way of life. Raised in a family of grapplers, his uncles played a pivotal role in his development, introducing him to the world of Combat Sambo at a very young age.
One uncle, who served as a father figure to him, was particularly influential, guiding him to become a two-time World Combat Sambo Champion and a FILA World Grappling Champion before he even turned professional.
He started his professional MMA career in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a force in the regional circuit. Gafurov tore through local promotions in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, utilizing his superior grappling and heavy hands to finish opponents early.
His impressive undefeated run on the regional scene caught the attention of major international scouts, leading him to sign with ONE Championship while he was still a teenager, marking the beginning of his global career.
Professional Career
Gafurov initially made waves in ONE Championship, where he became one of the promotion’s youngest talents to compete at a high level. Although he faced tough setbacks against elite fighters like John Lineker and Reece McLaren, these experiences sharpened his skills for his eventual transition to the UFC.
After a detour through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, where he suffered a split decision loss, he rebuilt his momentum in LFA, securing consecutive wins to earn a short-notice call-up to the UFC.
His UFC tenure began with difficult matchups, including a debut loss to John Castaneda and a submission defeat against ranked contender Said Nurmagomedov at UFC 294.
However, Gafurov turned the tide in 2024 and 2025. He secured his first octagon victory against veteran Kyung Ho Kang in June 2024 and followed it up with a decisive unanimous decision win over Rinya Nakamura at UFC 311 in January 2025.
These victories solidified his place in the division and proved he belongs among the best bantamweights in the world.
Muin Gafurov’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Muin Gafurov’s net worth is estimated to be around $250,000. His primary income comes from his fight purses, which have increased significantly since securing his first UFC wins.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Salary | Win Bonus | Incentive/Sponsor | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 311 | Rinya Nakamura | Win | $14,000 | $14,000 | $4,500 | $32,500 |
| UFC on ABC 6 | Kyung Ho Kang | Win | $12,000 | $12,000 | $4,000 | $28,000 |
| UFC 294 | Said Nurmagomedov | Loss | $12,000 | $0 | $4,500 | $16,500 |
| UFC Vegas 74 | John Castaneda | Loss | $10,000 | $0 | $4,000 | $14,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Organization | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | UFC | $32,500 |
| 2024 | UFC | $28,000 |
| 2023 | UFC | $30,500 |
| 2021-2022 | LFA/DWCS | ~$15,000 |
| Prior | ONE/Regional | ~$50,000+ |
| Total | All Career | ~$156,000+ |
Endorsements
In addition to his fight purses, Gafurov earns money through sponsorships and endorsements.
He is officially sponsored by Evo Club Las Vegas and Banoffee, brands he proudly displays during fight weeks. Like all UFC athletes, he also receives promotional pay from the promotion’s official outfitting partner, Venum, which adds roughly $4,000 to $4,500 to his paycheck for each fight.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Record | 20-6-0 |
| Striking Accuracy | 47% |
| Grappling Accuracy | 35% |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 10 |
| Wins by Submission | 7 |
| First Round Finishes | 14 |
| Average Fight Time | 9:15 |
FAQs
1. Who did Muin Gafurov defeat to get his first UFC win?
Muin Gafurov earned his first official UFC victory by defeating the South Korean veteran Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision at UFC on ABC 6 in June 2024.
2. What is Muin Gafurov’s nickname and what does it mean?
His nickname is “Tajik,” which is a direct reference to his nationality and heritage, representing his pride in being one of the few fighters from Tajikistan in the UFC.
3. How much did Muin Gafurov earn for fighting Rinya Nakamura?
For his victory over Rinya Nakamura at UFC 311 in January 2025, Gafurov took home a total of $32,500, which included his show money, win bonus, and incentive pay.
4. Does Muin Gafurov have a background in Sambo?
Yes, he is a highly decorated grappler who holds the title of two-time World Combat Sambo Champion, a skill set that heavily influences his fighting style in the cage.
5. How old is Muin Gafurov?
Born on May 17, 1996, Muin Gafurov turned 29 years old, entering what is widely considered the physical prime for a professional mixed martial artist.
