Name: Magomed Malikov Nickname: -- Age: 28 Height: 6'0" Location: Russia

Claiming the top spot on the 2012 World MMA Heavyweight Scouting Report is none other than Russia's Magomed Malikov (6-1). The Dagestani fighter has recorded an impressive 4-1 record in five appearances in 2011, capping off the year with a violent knockout victory over Pride veteran Aleksander Emelianenko at M-1 Challenge 28 in November. The 28-year-old dispatched of Emelianenko in a mere twenty-three seconds, an amazing feat considering Malikov was given one week's notice of the bout.

Malikov slipped into our preliminary rankings back in August after he dominated Alexey Oleinik and Yuri Gorbenko in a one-night tournament in July in Anapa, Russia. He previously suffered a setback at the hands of Baga Agaev in the Ukrainian Association for Martial Arts' Warrior's Honor 5 tournament finale, losing via armbar in only one minute and forty-five seconds. Malikov had won the first UAMA heavyweight tournament at Warrior's Honor 3 in October of 2010, knocking out Evgeni Babich and Vitali Yalovenko.

He vaulted in our rankings by beating a legitimate competitor in Aleksander Emelianenko, but he was already an interesting prospect well before the opportunity presented itself. The Dagestani hand-to-hand fighting champion is a vicious puncher, wielding nasty knockout power both on the feet and from top control. He's short, but his stocky build and strong base keep him grounded and make it difficult for opponents to move him. As opponents attempt to break him down on the feet, his unrelenting attack wears opponents thin, usually opening them up to counters and Malikov's eventual transition to mount.

Malikov is one of the few prospects in the heavyweight talent pool with enormous potential moving forward. He isn't the most defensively sound fighter, nor does he possess overwhelming quickness and technical prowess, although from a technical standpoint -- there were major improvements in his stance and technique in the Emelianenko fight. What he does wield is a destructive combination of knockout power, excellent balance, good conditioning, and a merciless strategy of constantly moving forward, battering his adversaries with heavy hands and brute force. Malikov's continued improvement will assure his status at the #1 heavyweight prospect in 2012.

Footage of Magomed Malikov after the fold...

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10 - David Oliva

Magomed Malikov vs. Aleksander Emelianenko



Magomed Malikov vs. Yuri Gorbenko



Magomed Malikov vs. Alexey Oleinik



Baga Agaev vs. Magomed Malikov



