Mariya Agapova, a talented and determined Kazakhstani mixed martial artist, has been making waves in the world of MMA. Competing in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Agapova has proven herself to be a formidable force inside the octagon.
Born on April 7, 1997, Agapova stands at 5 ft 6 in tall and weighs 125 lbs. With years of experience and dedication to her craft, she embarked on her professional MMA career in 2015. Since then, she has amassed an impressive record of 10 wins and 4 losses.
Agapova’s journey to the UFC included notable milestones. Before her debut on Dana White’s Contender Series, she showcased her skills in Russia, China, and her home country of Kazakhstan, achieving an undefeated record of 6-0. Although she faced a setback in her Contender Series appearance, losing to Tracy Cortez via unanimous decision, Agapova’s fighting spirit remained unshaken.
Her resilience led her to Invicta Fighting Championships, where she made a memorable debut. Agapova secured a submission win against Alexa Conners in the first round of their thrilling encounter. She continued her winning streak by defeating Marilia Santos via technical knockout, earning the Performance of the Night award in the process. Unfortunately, Agapova’s journey was temporarily interrupted by a car accident, forcing her to withdraw from a scheduled bout.
In February 2020, Agapova’s talent caught the attention of the UFC, as she signed with the prestigious organization. Her debut against Hannah Cifers was nothing short of spectacular, as she secured a submission victory in the first round, once again earning the Performance of the Night award. However, Agapova faced a setback in her second UFC fight, losing to Shana Dobson via second-round TKO, in what became the biggest upset in UFC women’s history.
Undeterred, Agapova bounced back in her third UFC bout, defeating Sabina Mazo via rear-naked choke in the third round, and once again capturing the Performance of the Night award.
Agapova’s accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her a rising star in the flyweight division. With an impressive record, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
Early Career and Dana White’s Contender Series
Before debuting on Dana White’s Contender Series, Mariya Agapova began her MMA career in Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. During this period, she built an impressive undefeated record of 6-0, showcasing her skills and talent in the sport.
In a pivotal moment in her early career, Agapova had the opportunity to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series 22. This platform has become renowned for showcasing up-and-coming fighters and attracting the attention of UFC executives. Agapova faced off against Tracy Cortez in her Contender Series debut, battling for a chance to earn a contract with the UFC.
The fight against Tracy Cortez proved to be a challenging test for Agapova. Despite her undefeated record leading up to the bout, Agapova faced a setback as she lost the fight via unanimous decision. This loss served as a learning experience and a stepping stone for Agapova’s future in the world of mixed martial arts.
Although Agapova did not secure a contract with the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series, her performance on the show garnered attention and set the stage for her professional journey. She would continue to pursue her dreams in the sport, showcasing her skills and resilience in future fights.
Invicta Fighting Championships
Mariya Agapova made her debut in the Invicta Fighting Championships on September 6, 2019, at Invicta FC: Phoenix Series 2. She faced off against Alexa Conners in a highly anticipated matchup. Agapova showcased her skills and determination, securing a submission victory in the first round. This impressive win marked her successful entrance into the Invicta promotion.
Continuing her momentum, Agapova went on to face Marilia Santos on October 6, 2019, at Invicta FC 37. The fight proved to be another testament to Agapova’s prowess, as she secured a technical knockout in the first round. Her dominant performance earned her the prestigious Performance of the Night award, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the flyweight division.
Agapova’s next scheduled bout was against Daiana Torquato, set to take place in February 2020. However, a car accident led to her unfortunate withdrawal from the fight. Despite this setback, Agapova’s impressive performances in the Invicta Fighting Championships showcased her skill, determination, and potential as a top contender in the world of mixed martial arts.
Invicta Fighting Championships Highlights:
- Mariya Agapova’s debut fight at Invicta FC: Phoenix Series 2 against Alexa Conners
- Submission win against Alexa Conners in the first round
- Victory over Marilia Santos via technical knockout in the first round
- Earning the Performance of the Night award for her win against Marilia Santos
- Scheduled bout against Daiana Torquato, unfortunately canceled due to a car accident
Agapova’s time in the Invicta Fighting Championships served as a stepping stone in her career, showcasing her ability to perform under the pressure of a high-profile promotion and against tough opponents. Her victories and recognition highlight her potential for success as she prepared to make her mark in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Mariya Agapova made her highly anticipated debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on June 13, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo. She faced off against Hannah Cifers in a flyweight bout. Agapova wasted no time showcasing her skills, as she quickly secured a submission victory in the first round.
This impressive performance earned Agapova the coveted Performance of the Night award, highlighting her exceptional display of technique and dominance inside the octagon. The win served as a testament to Agapova’s immense talent and potential in the flyweight division.
However, Agapova faced a setback in her next UFC fight on August 22, 2020, against Shana Dobson. Despite entering the bout as a heavy favorite, Agapova suffered a second-round TKO loss. This unexpected upset victory by Dobson marked the largest betting odds upset in UFC women’s history.
Redemption against Sabina Mazo
“The loss to Dobson was definitely a learning experience for me. It reminded me of the importance of staying focused and never underestimating any opponent. I knew I had to bounce back stronger, and that’s exactly what I did.” – Mariya Agapova
Agapova didn’t let the loss deter her, as she returned to the octagon on October 9, 2021, to face Sabina Mazo. Agapova showcased her resilience and determination, securing a victory via rear-naked choke in the third round.
Once again, Agapova’s stellar performance earned her the Performance of the Night award, further solidifying her presence in the UFC flyweight division. With each fight, Agapova continues to prove that she has what it takes to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Championship and Accomplishments
Mariya Agapova has accomplished impressive feats throughout her mixed martial arts career. Her outstanding performances have earned her the prestigious Performance of the Night award on two separate occasions. This recognition is a testament to her skill, dedication, and the excitement she brings to the octagon.
Agapova’s first Performance of the Night award came in her UFC debut against Hannah Cifers. She showcased her submission prowess with a first-round victory, leaving a lasting impression on the fans and the promotion. Her ability to finish fights in such a dominant fashion is part of what sets her apart as a rising star in the sport.
“I always strive to give my best performance every time I step into the cage,” says Agapova. “Winning the Performance of the Night award was a validation of my hard work and determination. It motivates me to continue pushing myself to new heights.”
Agapova’s second Performance of the Night award came in her matchup against Sabina Mazo. After a thrilling back-and-forth battle, Agapova secured a third-round victory with a rear-naked choke. This impressive performance showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different opponents.
Mixed Martial Arts Record
Mariya Agapova has built an impressive mixed martial arts record throughout her career. With a total of 14 matches under her belt, she has secured 10 wins and 4 losses. Her determination and skill have allowed her to achieve remarkable victories in the ring.
Among her wins, Agapova has displayed her versatility by securing victories through various methods. She has achieved 3 knockout wins, showcasing her striking power and precision. Additionally, she has secured 5 submission wins, demonstrating her expertise in grappling and submissions. Furthermore, Agapova has also earned 2 victories by decision, proving her ability to strategize and outperform her opponents throughout the course of a fight.
While she has faced some setbacks in her career, Agapova has consistently showcased her resilience and determination. Her losses include 1 knockout, 2 submissions, and 1 decision, highlighting the challenges she has faced and the lessons she has learned along the way. Despite these losses, Agapova continues to grow and evolve as a fighter, proving her ability to bounce back and strive for greatness.
