Oleg Taktarov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oleg Taktarov |
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Taktarov in 2010
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| Born | Oleg Nikolaevich Taktarov 26 August 1967 Arzamas-16, Gorky Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Native name | Оле́г Такта́ров |
| Other names | The Russian Bear |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Gorky, Russia |
| Rank | Master of Sport in Sambo 3rd dan black belt in Judo 4th dan black belt in Jujutsu |
| Years active | 1989–1998, 2001, 2007–2008 (MMA) 1997-Present (Acting) 2007, 2023 (Boxing) |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 24 |
| Wins | 17 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 14 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 5 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Draws | 2 |
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last updated on: March 10, 2011
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Oleg Nikolaevich Taktarov (born August 26, 1967) is a Russian actor and a retired mixed martial artist. He was known for his skills in Sambo and Judo. Taktarov fought in famous competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Pride Fighting Championships.
He became famous for winning the UFC 6 tournament. During his career, he defeated well-known fighters like Marco Ruas, Tank Abbott, and Mark Kerr. Because of his strength and home country, he was given the nickname "The Russian Bear."
Contents
Early Life and Training
Oleg Taktarov began learning martial arts when he was 12 years old. He trained in both judo and sambo. While serving in the military, he became a hand-to-hand combat instructor for the KGB.
After leaving the military, he competed in a type of mixed martial arts event and won four times. He also became a four-time European champion in jujutsu. In 1993, Taktarov moved to the United States to become an actor, but he first became a professional fighter to help with his move.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Taktarov wanted to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after watching UFC 2. He was accepted into the UFC 5 tournament in April 1995. Even though he had injured his knee just a week before, he decided to compete anyway.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In the UFC, Taktarov was introduced as "The Russian Bear." Unlike other fighters who tried to look intimidating, Taktarov was known for his friendly smile.
First Fights in the UFC
His first fight at UFC 5 was against Ernie Verdicia. Taktarov quickly won by making Verdicia tap out using a submission hold. In his next match, he faced Dan Severn. Because of his injured knee and being much lighter than Severn, Taktarov struggled. The referee stopped the fight because Taktarov got a deep cut on his face.
After this, Taktarov trained with Ken Shamrock's team, the Lion's Den, to improve his skills.
Winning the UFC 6 Tournament
Taktarov returned for UFC 6. In his first match, he defeated Dave Beneteau with a submission hold called a guillotine choke. He then faced Anthony Macias and won in just nine seconds with another guillotine choke. This became the fastest submission in UFC history at the time.
In the final match, Taktarov fought the much larger Tank Abbott. The fight was very tough and lasted for over 17 minutes. Both fighters were exhausted. In the end, Taktarov won the tournament by using a rear naked choke. He was so tired that he had to be taken to the hospital with an oxygen mask.
Later UFC Fights
As the tournament champion, Taktarov fought the UFC Champion Ken Shamrock at UFC 7. The fight was long and ended in a draw because there were no judges to decide a winner.
Taktarov later competed in the Ultimate Ultimate 1995 tournament. He defeated Marco Ruas but lost in the final match to Dan Severn. After this event, Taktarov left the UFC. In 2003, fans voted him as one of the top 10 most popular fighters in UFC history.
Career After the UFC
After leaving the UFC, Taktarov fought in other promotions around the world, including in Japan and Brazil. He had a notable fight against Gary Goodridge at the first Pride 1 event in Japan. Taktarov lost this match by knockout.
In 2007, Taktarov made a brief return to mixed martial arts. He won two fights, including one against former champion Mark Kerr, before retiring for good. He finished his career with a record of 17 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws.
Acting Career
After his fighting career, Taktarov focused on acting. He has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows. He is known for playing strong, often Russian, characters.
Some of his most famous movies include:
- Air Force One (1997)
- 15 Minutes (2001)
- Rollerball (2002)
- Bad Boys II (2003)
- National Treasure (2004)
- We Own the Night (2007)
- Righteous Kill (2008)
- Predators (2010)
- Den of Thieves (2018)
- The Man from Toronto (2022)
He also appeared in TV shows like Alias and NCIS. Taktarov has also acted in Russian movies and television series.
Championships and Awards
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC 6 Tournament Winner
- Ultimate Ultimate 1995 Runner-up
- UFC Viewer's Choice Award (one of ten most popular fighters)
See also
In Spanish: Oleg Taktárov para niños
- List of male mixed martial artists
