UFC Signs 11-0 Asaf Chopurov. The UFC has officially added one of the most highly regarded unsigned bantamweight prospects in MMA, signing undefeated Asaf Chopurov to its roster.
The 24-year-old Azerbaijani enters the promotion with a perfect 11-0 professional record, an impressive 34-1 amateur record, and a reputation that has made him one of the division’s most talked-about prospects. Chopurov’s signing comes after he builds an impressive run outside the UFC. He currently holds the UAE Warriors bantamweight championship and has successfully defended the belt twice. Even more striking, 10 of his 11 professional victories have come inside the distance, with five wins by knockout and five by submission.
Before turning professional, Chopurov puts together a remarkable 34-1 amateur record, giving him an extensive competitive background before reaching the UFC. His professional career has been just as impressive, with his only decision victory accounting for the one win on his record that does not come by stoppage.
His latest performance comes at UAE Warriors 72 on July 23, where he defends his bantamweight championship against former ONE Championship title challenger Reece McLaren. Chopurov needs just 1:03 of the opening round, landing a perfectly timed right hand to score the knockout and move to 11-0. The victory marks his second successful defense of the UAE Warriors bantamweight title. Before that, Chopurov submits Adriano Ramos with a rear-naked choke in the first round at UAE Warriors 69 in March 2026. He also stops Demarte Pena by strikes at UAE Warriors 64 in October 2025 to capture the vacant bantamweight championship.
Chopurov’s arrival in the UFC also comes with a notable connection to the promotion’s bantamweight champion, Petr Yan. Chopurov is one of Yan’s main training partners, giving the undefeated prospect regular access to one of the division’s elite fighters. His credentials have generated significant attention even before his UFC signing. Chopurov is expected to make his UFC debut at UFC 333 on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where he is set to face Australia’s Colby Thicknesse in a bantamweight matchup. Thicknesse enters with a 9-1 professional record, while Chopurov brings his perfect 11-0 mark into his first Octagon appearance.
For Chopurov, the UFC signing represents the biggest stage of his career. With an undefeated record, a championship already on his résumé and 10 finishes in 11 professional victories, the Azerbaijani prospect now gets the opportunity to prove whether the hype surrounding him translates to the highest level of MMA.
