When Zaur Gadzhibabayev (born June 27, 1989)  was 14 years old, his father brought him and his brother to the kickboxing gym.

Till then"nobody believed that I can be a sportsman."

He was not exactly an athletic type yet Zaur competed in local competitions. As many expected, he did not produce much positive results.

After one year and half in the army, Zaur came back to combat sports, this time, in boxing. "Boxing was a much better (fit) for me but I had no money" so Zaur left the sport once again, to make his ends meet. But that did not last too long though. Zaur felt "I can’t live without a sport" therefore began competing in amateur MMA.

He was already 24 years old, but this time, Zaur's talent blossomed immediately.

In 2012, Zaur won Azerbaijan MMA Championship ( WAMMA), and won bronze medal at the European Championship ( WAMMA). Following year, Zaur made it to the final of the World Championship (WMMAA). Then, in 2014, Zaur won Asian Championship (WAMMA), European Championship (WMMAA) and World Championship ( WAMMA).

After conquering amateur competition, Zaur made his professional MMA debut in M-1.

Zaur has been fighting for top Russian promotions such as M-1, ACB, and MMA Series, posted 11 wins in 15 pro fights, including a draw against UFC fighter Tanner Boser.
 

MMA record: 11-3-1 / height: 6'1" (186 cm) / weight: 275 lbs (124.7 kg)