MMA star 'shot five times in ambush by masked gunmen, with PFL champion rushed to hospital after escaping'

PFL champion Timur Khizriev is recovering in hospital after being shot five times during an ambush by two masked gunmen in Dagestan, Russia.

The incident is said to have taken place on Tuesday evening, with dramatic footage shared on social media appearing to show the undefeated fighter being targeted shortly after stepping out of his car.

In the clip, two hooded attackers can be seen sprinting towards Khizriev before opening fire at close range. 

Despite being struck, the 29-year-old managed to grapple with one of the assailants, while the second continued to fire.

Khizriev escaped further harm by sprinting away from the scene, leaping over parked cars to safety. 

MMA Junkie later reported that the Russian's management confirmed he is in hospital but doing well, assuring the outlet that his 'life is not in danger.' 

As of the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was connected to Khizriev's public profile or personal life.

Khizriev has already built a formidable reputation in the MMA world - and last year marked the pinnacle of his career so far.

Hailing from Makhachkala, the Russian star first made waves on the domestic scene before earning a contract with Bellator in 2022. But it was his move to the PFA that truly put him on the map.

He enjoyed a flawless 2024 campaign, racking up four consecutive wins to capture the PFL featherweight title. 

His run included victories over Brett Johns, Enrique Barzola, and Gabriel Alves Braga, before he capped off the year with a dominant performance against England's Brendan Loughnane in the final.

Speaking after that triumph, Khizriev paid tribute to his opponent and reflected on the emotional toll of his journey.

'He is a former champion. A tough fighter. Yes, he took a lot of damage, I was honestly surprised. We have to give love to him, hats off. He is a tough dude,' he said.

'That was a very tough and a long road. My family took a lot from me in this fight. I was very nervous. Now I have to give back when I go back home.'