PFL featherweight champion Timur Khizriev is recovering in hospital after surviving a shocking ambush that saw him shot five times by masked attackers in Dagestan, Russia.
The 29-year-old undefeated fighter was reportedly targeted on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, after stepping out of his car.
Dramatic video shared online shows two hooded gunmen sprinting towards Khizriev in a dimly lit car park before opening fire at close range.
Despite being hit multiple times, Khizriev astonishingly managed to wrestle with one of the shooters as bullets flew. He then broke free and escaped by sprinting away, leaping over parked cars to reach safety.
Khizriev’s management has since confirmed the Russian star is in hospital but said his life is not in danger. Local authorities have yet to make any arrests or reveal a motive for the brazen attack.
A rising name in the MMA world, Khizriev hails from Makhachkala and rose through the Russian domestic scene before signing with Bellator in 2022.
But it was his flawless 2024 run with the PFL that cemented his reputation, notching four straight wins to claim the featherweight crown, including a decisive victory over England’s Brendan Loughnane in the final.
As police hunt for the gunmen, fans and fighters alike are sending messages of support, hopeful that Khizriev’s remarkable fighting spirit will help him recover from his toughest battle yet, outside the cage.
FKA/KA
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