MMA champion 'shot five times' by masked thugs in brutal attack

PFL champion Timur Khizriev was rushed to hospital after he was shot five times by two masked thugs during a horrific ambush.

According to a report and video posted by VestnikMMA on social media, the undefeated MMA star was shot after he exited his vehicle and was eventually rushed to hospital and required surgery following the brutal attack.

The incident is believed to have taken place in Dagestan, Russia on Tuesday evening. Video footage of the alleged attack appears to show Khizriev leaving his car when two masked men sprint towards him and quickly open fire. The two thugs can be seen approaching the Russian before one of the crooks fired their gun, appearing to hit the MMA star.

Despite being shot, the 29-year-old was able to react and take down one of the masked individuals, while the other continued to fire several more shots. The PFL star took the opportunity to flee, sprinting away and hurdling over parked cars before he sustained any more physical harm.

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According to an MMA outlet in Russia, Khizriev is still alive. "In Makhachkala, PFL champion Timur Khizriev was shot," the post claimed. "Two masked men ambushed Timur in the courtyard of a residential building on Daniyalov Street. When he got out of the [vehicle], the attackers opened fire. The athlete was hit by 5 bullets from a traumatic pistol. Khizriev is in surgery, alive."

MMA Junkie later reported that the Russian's management has informed the outlet that he is currently in hospital, but is fine and that his “life is not in danger.” At the time of writing, no arrests have been made. Other reports in Russia claim that the pistol used was a 'non-lethal weapon designed to fire rubber bullets.' Authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was related to Khizriev's public profile or personal affairs.

At 29, the Makhachkala has enjoyed a glittering career inside the cage so far. After impressing on the regional scene in Russia, Khizriev was eventually snapped up by Bellator in 2022. He enjoyed his greatest success last year, when he went 4-0 under the PFL banner en route to becoming the organisation's featherweight champion, defeating Brett Johns, Enrique Barzola and Gabriel Alves Braga before scoring a dominant win over England's Brendan Loughnane in the final.

"He is a former champion. A tough fighter. Yes he took a lot of damage, I was honestly surprised. We have to give love to him, hats off. He is a tough dude," said Khizriev after the win. "That was a very tough and a long road. My family took a lot from me in this fight. I was very nervous. Now I have to give back when I go back home."

When is Timur Khizriev's next fight?

Khizriev was linked with a move over to the UFC before agreeing to a deal with the PFL - where he has since gone on to thrive. The 29-year-old was not put into the 2025 Featherweight tournament for unknown reasons. As of yet he has not got a fight booked.

While reports claim that his injuries are not life-threatening, the Russian may need an extended period away from the SmartCage. Even though traumatic pistols do not use live ammunition, they can still cause some serious deep tissues damage and require severe medical intervention. The extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed publicly. Given the recent incident, Khizriev may need a few months to recover and may not be seen in action again until 2026.