Weightclass: Welterweight
Record: 4-0, 1 NC
Age: 22
Height: 5’11”
Born in: Russia
Training out of: ?
Combined opponents’ record (at the time they fought): 14-5
Key wins: N/A
When you hear the name “David Samuel,” you might not immediately picture a rising Russian MMA prospect. In a sport where surnames like Magomedov, Volkov, and Pavlovich dominate the scene, Samuel’s name—and heritage—stand out.
The son of an African father and a Russian mother, Samuel takes pride in both sides of his background. He’s as Russian as any fighter and seems destined to one day make it to the bright lights of the UFC.
Samuel had an outstanding amateur career. He went undefeated in IMMAF junior competition before the ban on Russian athletes ended his shot at competing internationally. Many believe he would’ve gone on to become a world champion had he been allowed to compete.
Since turning professional, Samuel has mainly fought under the Nashe Delo banner, where he’s built a 3-0 record before making his Open Fighting Championship debut.
Throughout his career, Samuel has shown a well-rounded skill set—combining pressure boxing, sharp combination punching, and fast hands with the kind of strong wrestling base you’d expect from a top Russian prospect.
Samuel, also has proven he can handle adversity. In his last fight against the highly regarded, undefeated Kazbek Kalabekov, Samuel was clipped early but showed impressive composure and recovery. By the end of the round, he had regained control and went on to dominate and finish his opponent in the third.
This weekend, Samuel faces his toughest test yet in Movsar Baymaskhanov—a 7-1 ACA veteran whose only loss came six years ago against former BRAVE lightweight champion “Omok” Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu. At 31, Baymaskhanov is in his prime and represents another major challenge for the 22-year-old rising prospect. If Samuel can pick up another big win, it could earn him a spot for a Contender Series opportunity.