How a Kyrgyz law graduate rewrote the UFC welterweight record book
In short: From the mountain village of Kyzyl-Suu to the global stage, Myktybek Orolbai has become a force in the UFC. Beyond his grappling prowess, this professional mixed martial artist has demonstrated a relentless drive, transitioning from regional Kyrgyz promotions to setting unprecedented records in the welterweight division.
Born on February 10, 1998, in the mountain village of Kyzyl-Suu, Kyrgyzstan, Myktybek Orolbai’s journey to professional mixed martial arts began in his childhood. Before entering the UFC, he built a foundation in regional Kyrgyz promotions between 2018 and 2021, amassing a record of 8–1–1. His rise was marked by a stint in the Legacy Fighting Alliance and a championship title in the Sulukta FC Welterweight division, alongside winning the Sulukta FC Welterweight Grand Prix.
Orolbai’s UFC career has been defined by tactical versatility and weight class shifts. He made his debut on November 18, 2023, defeating Uroš Medić via a second-round neck crank. He has since navigated various weight limits, including lightweight and catchweight bouts. Notably, at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, he competed in a 160-pound catchweight bout against Mateusz Rębecki. Although he lost the split decision, the performance earned him a Fight of the Night bonus and was later recognized as the 2024 Fight of the Year.
His most significant statistical achievement occurred on March 14, 2026, during a fight against Chris Curtis. In that bout, Orolbai completed 19 takedowns, setting a new UFC welterweight record for the most takedowns landed in a single fight. This feat also stands as the second-highest number of takedowns landed in any three-round bout in the organization. While his career has seen both submission victories and losses, such as a third-round ninja choke loss to Jeremiah Wells on August 15, 2026, his technical dominance remains a central part of his professional profile.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Myktybek Orolbai
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