Timur Khizriev, the reigning Featherweight champion of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), is in the hospital after being shot five times in a shocking attack in Makhachkala, Dagestan, on July 15, 2025. Reports indicate that Khizriev was ambushed by two masked gunmen while he was getting out of his vehicle in the courtyard of a residential building on Daniyalov Street. The assailants fired at him with a traumatic pistol, a type of firearm designed for non-lethal use that typically fires rubber bullets. Fortunately, it has been reported that Khizriev is currently undergoing surgery but is alive and his life is not in danger.
According to Khizriev’s management speaking with MMAJunkie, he is stable following the incident. The 29-year-old fighter, who boasts an impressive record of 18-0, clinched the PFL Featherweight title in 2024 after an undefeated season, culminating in a victory over former champion Brendan Loughnane, which secured him a $1 million prize.
Prior to his success with PFL, Khizriev also made a name for himself in Bellator, defeating several notable opponents. The reasons for his absence from the 2025 Featherweight tournament remain unclear.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes even outside the ring and highlights the importance of safety and support for fighters in their personal lives. We hope for a quick and full recovery for Khizriev as he navigates these unsettling circumstances.