Timur Khizriev, the PFL featherweight champion, was attacked in a violent incident. On July 15, 2025, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, two masked men shot him five times with rubber bullets as he exited his vehicle. The undefeated fighter is now in stable condition, recovering in a hospital after surgery.
A Shocking Attack
The incident happened in the courtyard of a residential building on Daniyalov Street. Khizriev was getting out of his SUV when the attackers opened fire with a traumatic pistol, a non-lethal weapon that fires rubber bullets. He suffered injuries to his shoulder, hand, and chest but managed to fight back against one assailant before collapsing.
Video footage of the attack, shared by Russian media outlet VestnikMMA, captured the chaotic scene. Witnesses reported the attackers shouted insults at Khizriev’s family as they fled in a white vehicle. Police have detained one suspect, but two others remain at large, and the motive for the attack is still unclear. h/t Russian Media Outlet
🚨В Махачкале расстреляли чемпиона PFL Тимура Хизриева (18-0).
Двое в масках подкараулили Тимура во дворе жилого дома на улице Даниялова. Когда он вышел из гелендвагена, нападавшие открыли стрельбу. В спортсмена попали 5 пуль от травмата пистолета. Хизриев в операционной, жив. pic.twitter.com/KnUN4NYRKX
— Вестник ММА (@VestnikMMA) July 15, 2025
Khizriev’s Rise in MMA
Khizriev has an impressive 18-0 record in professional MMA. He started fighting in regional Russian promotions before joining Bellator, where he went 3-0, defeating fighters like Richie Smullen, Justin Gonzales, and Daniel Weichel. In 2024, he signed with the PFL and dominated the featherweight division, winning the 2024 title and a $1 million prize by defeating Brendan Loughnane via unanimous decision in November.
Born in Dagestan, the 29-year-old trains with DagFighter and American Top Team. Known for his wrestling and control-based style, Khizriev has become one of the top featherweights in global MMA rankings. Before the attack, he was expected to defend his PFL title in the 2025 season, but his recovery timeline is now uncertain.
Khizriev’s team confirmed he is under medical care but not in life-threatening danger. The PFL issued a statement on July 16, 2025, saying they are aware of the situation and wish their rising star a speedy recovery.
“PFL is aware of the situation concerning Timur Khizriev, and remain in close touch with his representatives,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time.”
PFL statement on 2024 PFL Featherweight Timur Khizriev pic.twitter.com/CLJWJjIV5s
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 16, 2025
The attack has raised questions about Khizriev’s fighting future. While he was set to compete in the 2025 PFL season, his injuries may delay those plans. Authorities in Dagestan are investigating, but no clear reason for the assault has been confirmed. Fans have expressed shock and support on social media, hoping to see the champion back in the cage soon.
