Thoughts on opponent, Justin Scoggins? Unorthodox striking skills, good sense of distance. It will be an interesting fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was a kid to be able to protect myself from bullies.

What ranks and titles have you held?  World, Russian and European amateur MMA champion

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s the top of the game and I wanna be the best in the world. 

What was your job before you started fighting? I’ve been a professional athlete all my life.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition?  WFCA featherweight champion

Ranks in any martial arts styles: International Master of Sport in amateur MMA

Favorite grappling technique: RNC

Favorite Striking technique: Flying knee

• Pro since 2009

• On five fight winning streak

• Five first round finishes

• Two wins by KO, three by submission (Guillotine, armbar, RNC)

• Lone loss in 2014 was via decision to UFC vet Magomed Bibulatov

• Cousin of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov