Learn more about Mariya Agapova's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Pro since 2015
- Three wins by KO, four by submission (Armbar, 3 RNC)
- Six first round finishes
- 3-1 with three finishes (two in Invicta FC) since DWCS appearance
- Has won three of her last four
UFC History
UFC on ESPN (8/22/20) Agapova was stopped by Shana Dobson via strikes at 1:38 of the second round
UFC on ESPN (6/13/20) Agapova submitted Hannah Cifers via rear naked choke at 2:42 of the first round
Dana White's Contender Series, Season 3
Episode six (7/30/19) Agapova lost a three round unanimous decision to Tracy Cortez
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started early, at about 7-8 years old. I watched a lot of action movies, such as Resident Evil, 13th District, and I was impressed by characters, especially female characters, who could defend themselves well. Also, I started training because I wanted to defend myself in real life, because I was bullied a lot in the neighborhood and at school (especially at school).
What ranks and titles have you held? Two-time boxing champion of Kazakhstan, MMA World Champion (WMMMA) in 2017
Do you have any heroes? When I just started training in MMA, girls who motivated me the most were Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Valentina Shevchenko, Cris Cyborg, Claudia Gadelha, Ronda Rousey. Also, boxer Gennady Golovkin. My boxing coach always used him as an example.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s the dream of my whole life coming true. I will become not only the first girl fighter from Kazakhstan fighting in the UFC, but the only citizen of Kazakhstan fighting in the UFC. It is a huge responsibility.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from college - my specialization is training and physical education for children.
What was your job before you started fighting? I had a lot of jobs. The one that I worked the longest is manager (administrator) in a sport club. I also worked as a waitress and I worked at a theme park with rollercoaster rides.
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Heroine FC Champion (China) 2018
Favorite grappling technique: Straight Armbar
Favorite striking technique: Backfist
