Bibulatov was born and raised in Achkhoy-Martan, Chechnya, Russia on August 22, 1988. He started to train karate at 6 years. After high school he went to Chechen State University for Law faculty.[5] Then he moved to France and trained at Gladiator Fight Club. When he had 5 win streak in European MMA organizations, he came back to Russia and started representing Fight Club Akhmat with Ramzan Kadyrov's help.[6]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Before joining the UFC Bibulatov amassed a record of 13-0 including wins against future UFC veteran Taylor Lapilus.
World Series of Fighting
Bibulatov faced Donavon Frelow [7] for the vacant flyweight title on October 7, 2015, at WSOF 24. He won the fight by unanimous decision and become a new WSOF flyweight champion.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Bibulatov made his promotional debut for the UFC at UFC 210 against Jenel Lausa. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[8]
Bibulatov faced John Moraga on October 7, 2017, at UFC 216.[9] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[10]
Bibulatov was scheduled to face Ulka Sasaki on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128.[11] However, he was removed from the card due to back injury.[12]
Bibulatov faced promotional newcomer Rogério Bontorin on February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144.[13] At weigh-ins, Bibulatov weighed one pound over the flyweight non-title fight limit of 126 and was fined 20% of his purse to Bontorin.[14] Bibulatov lost the fight via split decision.[15]
As the first fight after his release from the UFC Bibulatov returned to ACA, facing Josiel Silva at ACA 100 on October 4, 2019. He won the bout via technical knockout in the second round.[17]
Next, he faced Nikita Chistyakov at ACA 107 on July 24, 2020. He won the fight via first-round technical knockout.[18]
Bibulatov faced Rodrigo Praia at ACA 112 on October 4, 2020. He won the fight via first-round knockout.[19]
Bibulatov faced reigning champ Daniel Oliveira on March 26, 2021, at ACA 120: Oliveira vs. Bibulatov for the ACA Bantamweight Championship. After winning the first 4 rounds, Bibulatov survived a flurry in the last round to secure a unanimous decision, also winning the title in the process.[20]
Bibulatov defended his title for the first time against Oleg Borisov at ACA 138 on March 27, 2022. He lost the bout and title via unanimous decision.[21]
Bibulatov faced Charles Henrique in his first bout post title reign on December 23, 2022, at ACA 150, winning the close bout via split decision.[22]
In the Semi-Finals, Bibulatov faced Tomáš Deák on January 26, 2024 at ACA 169: Bibulatov vs. Deák, winning the bout via TKO stoppage due to leg kicks and ground and pound in the third round, advancing to the finals.[24]
^Wheaton, Timothy (26 March 2021). "ACA 120 Results". MMAsucka. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
^"Олег Борисов стал чемпионом АСА". AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции (in Russian). 2022-03-26. Archived from the original on 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
^"Результаты турнира ACA 150". AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции (in Russian). 2022-12-23. Archived from the original on 2022-12-26. Retrieved 2022-12-26.
