Akhmedov dropped a split decision to Brad Tavares.
After almost eight years with the UFC, it looks as if middleweight Omari Akhmedov’s future will be outside the promotion.
MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz reported that Akhmedov is no longer under UFC contract after his split decision defeat to Brad Tavares on last weekend’s UFC 264 preliminary card. Prior to the report his name was removed from the official UFC rankings voting selection.
Akhmedov (21-6-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC) debuted as a middleweight way back in 2013, knocking out Thiago Perpetuo in a Fight of the Night performance. He dropped to welterweight for his next fight and was choked out by Gunnar Nelson. While he did win four of his ensuing six bouts (and without missing weight), Akhmedov went back to 185 lbs in 2017 and went to a draw with eventual title challenger Marvin Vettori.
His six-fight unbeaten run (which includes his final few welterweight appearances) ended in 2020 when he lost to former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman by decision. This past January he submitted Tom Breese for his first finish since his leg kicks forced Brian Ebersole to retire on his stool with a knee injury in 2015, but he was largely outclassed by Tavares despite the one judge ruling the fight in his favor.
At the time of his departure, Akhmedov was ranked #15 at 185 lbs but he’s since been replaced by Andre Muniz.