Vitaly Viktorovich Minakov, born on February 6, 1985, in Bryansk, Russia, is a celebrated mixed martial artist (MMA), sambist, and judoka.
Known for his dominance in the heavyweight division, Minakov’s career is marked by numerous accolades in Sambo and MMA. Below is a detailed breakdown of his life and career.
Vitaly Minakov’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vitaly Viktorovich Minakov |
| Nickname | Bryansk Bogatyr |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1985 |
| Age | 39 |
| Reach | 78 in (198 cm) |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| Turned Pro | November 2010 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million |
| Salary per Fight | $300,000 (under Bellator contract) |
| Spouse | Natalya Minakova |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Three (Roman, Polina, Dmitry) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Vitaly Minakov began his journey in combat sports at the age of 10 when his father introduced him to wrestling.
He later transitioned to Sambo under the guidance of Valery Safronov, becoming a 4-time Sambo World Champion by the age of 23. His early success in Sambo laid the foundation for his MMA career.
Professional Career
Minakov made his professional MMA debut in November 2010. By 2012, he had signed with Bellator MMA and quickly rose to prominence.
In November 2013, he defeated Alexander Volkov to become the Bellator Heavyweight Champion. He successfully defended his title against Cheick Kongo in April 2014 but was later stripped of the title in 2016 due to inactivity.
After leaving Bellator, he fought under Fight Nights Global in Russia, where he remained undefeated with seven finishes.
In 2018, Minakov returned to Bellator on an improved contract but suffered his first professional loss to Cheick Kongo during his comeback fight in February 2019.
Wife
Vitaly Minakov is married to his wife, Natalya. The couple met in 2003 during a sports camp in Bryansk, Russia.
They have a strong family life and are proud parents of 3 children: Roman (eldest son), Polina (daughter), and Dmitry (youngest son, born in August 2017).
Minakov has expressed his dream of having a large family, aiming for up to 5 children.
Vitaly Minakov’s Net Worth Details
Vitaly Minakov’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. This wealth primarily stems from his successful career as an MMA fighter, where he earned substantial fight purses.
For example, during his time with Bellator MMA, he reportedly earned $300,000 per fight under his contract, excluding win bonuses.
Fight Purses
| Event/Fight | Earnings ($) |
|---|---|
| Bellator Contract (Per Fight) | $300,000 + bonuses |
| Fight Nights Global Fights | N/A |
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event/Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkov | Win via TKO | Bellator 108 |
| Cheick Kongo | Win via Decision | Bellator 115 |
| Cheick Kongo (Rematch) | Loss via Decision | Bellator 216 |
| Tim Johnson | Win via KO | Bellator 225 |
FAQs
What is Vitaly Minakov’s fighting style?
He specializes in Sambo and Judo but has developed striking skills over his career.
How many children does he have?
Three: Roman, Polina, and Dmitry.
What is his professional MMA record?
Total: 24 fights; Wins: 22 (13 by KO/TKO, 7 by submission), Losses: 2.
Why was he stripped of the Bellator title?
Due to prolonged inactivity from May 2014 to May 2016.
What is his net worth?
Approximately $3 million as of 2025.
What are his notable achievements in Sambo?
Four-time Sambo World Champion and multiple-time Russian National Champion.
Who was his toughest opponent?
Cheick Kongo handed him his first professional loss at Bellator 216.
Does he still compete?
No, Minakov retired after fighting Said Sowma at Bellator 269 in October 2021.
What team does he represent?
Eagles MMA and Fight Nights Team.
What are his future plans?
Post-retirement plans have not been share but may involve coaching or politics.
