18 Facts About Vitaly Minakov

Vitaly Viktorovich Minakov is a Russian mixed martial artist, sambist and judoka who competed in the heavyweight division.

Vitaly Minakov defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and UFC veteran Fabiano Scherner on September 17,2012 at Fight Nights - Battle of Desne.

Vitaly Minakov made his debut the following fall at Bellator 79 on November 2,2012.

Vitaly Minakov faced Ron Sparks on June 19,2013 in the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.

Vitaly Minakov won in the first round by technical knockout.

Vitaly Minakov faced Ryan Martinez at Bellator 97 in the finals on July 31,2013.

Vitaly Minakov got the TKO victory via punches in the third round, after he took Martinez down and secured full mount.

Vitaly Minakov faced and defeated Alexander Volkov on November 15,2013 at Bellator 108 to win the Bellator Heavyweight Championship.

Vitaly Minakov faced Bellator Season 9 Heavyweight Tournament winner Cheick Kongo at Bellator 115 on April 4,2014.

Vitaly Minakov won via unanimous decision to retain the Bellator Heavyweight Championship.

Vitaly Minakov was stripped of his Bellator MMA title on May 14,2016 due to inactivity.

Vitaly Minakov fought seven times since July 2015 and won all seven of his bouts by finishes.

Vitaly Minakov lost the fight via unanimous decision, marking his first professional loss in MMA.

Vitaly Minakov was to face Javy Ayala at Bellator 225 on August 24,2019.

Vitaly Minakov was rescheduled to meet Ayala at Bellator 232 on October 26,2019.

However, Vitaly Minakov was unable to obtain visa for the bout, leading to Ayala being pulled from the card.

Vitaly Minakov was scheduled to face Tyrell Fortune on October 23,2021 at Bellator 269.

Vitaly Minakov lost the bout after it was stopped due to a broken finger.