Bakhram Murtazaliev

Bakhram Murtazaliev (born 1993-01-02), nicknamed “Murda,” is a Russian orthodox light-middleweight who rose from the regional circuit in Russia to capture a world title and become a notable figure in the 154-pound division. A native of Grozny, Chechnya, Murtazaliev is based out of Newbury Park, California, and built a reputation for power early in his career — 17 of his 23 wins came by stoppage in a 23–1 pro record reported after 2026-01-31. Murtazaliev turned professional in 2014, debuting in Chelyabinsk and compiling a string of early wins at four- and six-round distances across Russia. His finishing ability surfaced quickly with a series of first- and early-round stoppages that carried him out of the domestic scene and onto cards in the United States. By 2016–2018 he was appearing on shows in Las Vegas and New York, recording knockouts that helped him step up in class and move into 10-round fights. The step up yielded tangible rewards in late 2018 when Murtazaliev captured the WBC USA light-middleweight title with a decision victory over Norberto González on October 13, 2018. He retained that regional belt in February 2019 with a ninth-round TKO of Elvin Ayala. Later that year he added the EBP light-middleweight title, going the distance to defeat Jorge Fortea in a 12-round decision on November 2, 2019. Murtazaliev’s progression culminated in April 2024, when he traveled to Germany and stopped former world-class fighter Jack Culcay in the 11th round to claim the vacant IBF light-middleweight (super-welterweight) world title. He consolidated that achievement with a high-profile title fight on October 19, 2024, stopping Tim Tszyu by third-round TKO in Orlando to register another world-level victory in the division. That run came to a halt on January 31, 2026, when Murtazaliev lost the IBF light-middleweight title by majority decision to Josh Kelly in Newcastle upon Tyne. The setback left him a former IBF champion with a professional ledger of 23 wins and one loss. Throughout his career Murtazaliev has been defined by aggressive forward pressure, an orthodox stance and a high stoppage rate that made him a threat from early rounds through championship distance. His record includes regional and international title success and a world title reign, marking him as a prominent light-middleweight figure whose career has spanned venues from Russia to major arenas in the United States and Europe. He remains an active fighter following the loss of the IBF crown.