Mikhail Mokhnatkin came to the sport of MMA from an extensive background in Combat Sambo, where he earned the distinction of Master of Sports. A term akin to that of a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, Master of Sports means Mokhnatkin has reached the pinnacle of Combat Sambo and is highly regarded by his peers.
Mokhnatkin has had a successful career in Combat Sambo picking up a Russian national title in 2012, a bronze at the Combat Sambo Nationals and a gold at the European Championships, both in 2013. Most recently, Mokhnatkin defeated Vadim Nemkov to win the Russian Combat Sambo championships 2016 at 100+kg.
Along with his success in Combat Sambo Mokhnatkin has found success in MMA picking up a 7-1-1 record beating the likes of Valentijn Overeem and the well regarded Artur Astakov. Mokhnatkin recently took another European Light Heavyweight prospect Jiri Prochazka to a draw. In his most recent bout Mokhnatkin defeated former UFC fighter Ednaldo Oliveira by submission in the first round.
Mokhnatkin was voted by Bloody Elbow as the  #1 Light Heavyweight prospect in MMA back in December 2014.
Mokhnatkin although a natural Light Heavyweight has fluctuated in weight and taken fights at Heavyweight on occasion. He is currently ranked # 20 at HW in Russia as well as #22 at LHW by Tapology.