Valentin Moldavsky is a Russian mixed martial artist and combat sambo practitioner, currently competing in the heavyweight division of Bellator MMA.
Moldavsky is widely regarded for his grappling prowess, having earned significant success in both MMA and combat sambo. He is a former interim Bellator Heavyweight Champion.
He is also a two-time world and one-time European Sambo Champion in the +100 kg division. Here we have Valentin Moldavsky’s net worth, fight purse earnings, career, MMA record, and more.
Valentin Moldavsky’s Biography and Career
| Full Name | Valentin Igorevich Moldavsky |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Novopskov, Ukraine (now Russia) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Team | Fedor Team |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Valentin Igorevich Moldavsky was born on February 6, 1992, in Novopskov, Ukraine, when it was still part of the Soviet Union.
He moved to Russia and developed an early interest in combat sports, eventually finding his niche in combat sambo and later transitioning into professional mixed martial arts.
Moldavsky trains at the Fedor Team camp, honing his grappling and striking skills alongside other elite fighters.
MMA Career
Moldavsky began his professional MMA career in 2015 and quickly established himself as a skilled heavyweight fighter. Prior to MMA, he had an illustrious career in combat sambo, winning multiple titles, including the prestigious Combat Sambo World Championship.
He signed with Bellator in 2017 and rapidly rose through the heavyweight ranks. Moldavsky is known for his exceptional grappling abilities and his effective ground control, often overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure.
One of his most significant achievements came in June 2021 when he won the interim Bellator Heavyweight Championship after defeating Tim Johnson at Bellator 261.
Notable fights in his career include victories over veterans like Roy Nelson and Linton Vassell.
He fought Ryan Bader for the undisputed Bellator Heavyweight title in January 2022 at Bellator 273, but lost via unanimous decision.
Valentin Moldavsky faced Linton Vassell at PFL 4 in June 2024. The fight took place in Uncasville, Connecticut, where Moldavsky lost via a split decision after three rounds.
Valentin Moldavsky’s Net Worth Details
Valentin Moldavsky’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-2 million, as of 2025. His earnings come from fight purses, sponsorships, and bonuses for performance in high-profile bouts.
Moldavsky’s championship-level fights in Bellator, including his interim heavyweight title victory, have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Fight Purse Earnings
| Fight | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Win vs. Tim Johnson (Interim Title) | Bellator 261 | $150,000 (estimated) |
| Loss vs. Ryan Bader (Heavyweight Title) | Bellator 273 | $100,000 (estimated) |
| Win vs. Roy Nelson | Bellator 244 | $80,000 (estimated) |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $800,000 |
| 2021 | $1.2 million |
| 2022 | $1.5 million |
| 2023 | $1.7 million |
| 2024 | $2 million (estimated) |
Endorsements
Moldavsky has been endorsed by various brands, particularly those in the combat sports industry. His association with the Fedor Team has given him opportunities to work with international and Russian-based sports equipment brands.
MMA Records
| 18 matches | 13 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 2 | 1 |
| By submission | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 8 | 3 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. What is Valentin Moldavsky’s professional MMA record?
Valentin Moldavsky holds a professional MMA record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-contest (as of 2025). His victories include 2 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 8 decisions, showcasing his versatility in striking and grappling.
2. Which titles has Valentin Moldavsky won?
He won the interim Bellator Heavyweight Championship in 2021 by defeating Timothy Johnson. Additionally, he is a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion (2018, 2020) and a European Sambo Champion (2018).
3. What is Valentin Moldavsky’s fighting style?
Moldavsky’s primary style is Combat Sambo, complemented by judo and wrestling. His MMA approach emphasizes clinch control, ground-and-pound, and tactical striking, often leading to dominant decision wins.
4. How tall is Valentin Moldavsky, and what weight class does he fight in?
He stands at 6’1” (185 cm) and competes in the heavyweight division (265 lbs / 120 kg). His reach of 75” (191 cm) gives him a strategic advantage in striking exchanges.
5. Who are Valentin Moldavsky’s most notable opponents?
Key opponents include Ryan Bader (Bellator Heavyweight Champion), Linton Vassell (three-time rival), Timothy Johnson, and Steve Mowry. His 2022 unification bout against Bader ended in a controversial unanimous decision loss.
6. What team does Valentin Moldavsky train with?
He trains under Fedor Team, coached by MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. This affiliation has shaped his sambo-heavy, disciplined fighting style.
7. Has Valentin Moldavsky fought in the PFL?
Yes, he joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2024, defeating Ante Delija via first-round TKO but later losing a split decision to Linton Vassell. A scheduled 2024 semifinal bout was canceled due to undisclosed reasons.
8. What caused Valentin Moldavsky’s no-contest against Steve Mowry?
Their 2022 fight ended in a no-contest after Moldavsky accidentally poked Mowry in the eye just 54 seconds into Round 1, rendering Mowry unable to continue.
9. Where was Valentin Moldavsky born?
He was born in Novopskov, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, on February 6, 1992. He later moved to Russia and represents Stary Oskol as his fighting base.
10. What are Valentin Moldavsky’s strengths in the cage?
His strengths include clinch control, takedown accuracy, and stamina. He averages 11 minutes of fight time per bout, often wearing down opponents with relentless pressure and ground dominance.
