Author – Shawn Bitter
Weightclass: Welterweight
Record: 7-0
Age: 24
Height: 6’3”
Born in: Russia
Training out of: Raty Team
Combined opponents’ record (at the time they fought): 25-3
Key wins: Imam Ibragimov, Chingiz Minyazev, Ali Suleymanov
Ivan Podrugin is a 6’3” Russian welterweight who stands out as one of the most promising young prospects in the sport. At just 24, he brings an extensive background in Pankration, having competed at the World Championship level before transitioning to MMA. His professional career has taken him through ACA Young Eagles, a bout on ONE Friday Fights, and, mostly RCC.
Podrugin’s résumé is quietly impressive—four of his victories have come against undefeated fighters, and he’s never faced an opponent with a losing record or older than 28, a rarity in today’s landscape. Every win has come by submission, and notably, he’s finished opponents in the first, second, and third rounds, showing he’s a constant threat from bell to bell.
A high-level submission artist, Podrugin specializes in chokes—most often attacking from the front headlock or securing rear-naked chokes from a tight back mount. With his long frame, once he locks in the body triangle, escapes are nearly impossible. He remains calm and methodical, focusing on control, wrist fighting, and grip transitions without rushing. Though he’s been put on his back at times, he rarely stays there, using his length to defend and threaten with submissions.
Podrugin’s grappling success is fueled in part by his striking. Far from being one-dimensional, he’s comfortable and technical on the feet, fighting behind a stiff jab and mixing in a one-two’s, calf kicks, and straight punches. He uses feints and traps to create openings for level changes and clean takedowns. That blend of patience, range control, and timing makes him look far more seasoned than his years suggest.
All told, Podrugin is an aggressive, well-rounded fighter with legitimate finishing instincts on the ground and an underrated striking arsenal. After taking a closer look at his skill set, it’s hard not to be high on his potential.
Ivan Podrugin fights on the Ural FC 10 card this Saturday. He will be taking on Alexander Butenko (56-19-3). An older guy at 38, but someone with over seventy-five pro fight.