NEWS

A legend in the grappling community, Rustam Chsiev found his passion for combat sports at a young age. Now set for the biggest MMA bout of his career, he will look to replicate the success he’s had in submission grappling in mixed martial arts. A member of BRAVE Combat Federation’s Middleweight division, ‘’The Russian Bear’’ will go for his second straight win against Gamzat Khiramagomedov at BRAVE CF 46, on January 16th, as the fastest-growing organization in the world partners with Krepost Selection for a groundbreaking show in Sochi.

Born in North Ossetia, Russia, Chsiev grew up in the Caucasian-Steppe region of Vladikavkaz, where he started training in freestyle wrestling at 10 years old. 

Over a decade later, Chsiev connected with Murat Keshtov, founder of K-Dojo and moved to New Jersey, where he started training at Keshtov stable of fighters in late 2008 and competing in submission grappling rules tournaments. 

By 2010, he won 1st place at the North American Trials, and shortly after winning Ultimate Absolute in 2011. By 2015, Chsiev secured the bronze medal at the ADCC tournament in 2015, considered the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world.

The ''Russian Bear'' blew minds in the sub-grappling world proving his wrestling against many jiu-jitsu experts with an impenetrable defense and notable wins. Chsiev has victories over some of the best Jiu-Jitsu athletes in the world: Rafael Lovato Jr., Romulo Barral, Davi Ramos, and even former MMA champ Luke Rockhold.

Throughout his grappling career, Chsiev was focused on developing his boxing and kickboxing skills in a hope to start competing in MMA bouts. He started his MMA career in 2016 against a much more experienced fighter, Igor Litoshik, and knocked him out with an incredible punch. 

With only 5 bouts in career, Chsiev has a record of 3-2 and a win against Tarek Suleiman at BRAVE CF 27 in Abu Dhabi. On January 16th 2021, the “Russian Bear” and grappling phenomena will get a chance to rise in MMA in his home country and get one step closer to wearing Middleweight gold in mixed martial arts.