Oleg Taktarov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oleg Taktarov |
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Taktarov in July 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 (Russian: Оле́г Никола́евич Такта́ров; born 26 August 1967) is a Russian actor and former mixed martial artist. He was known for his skills in Sambo and Judo. Oleg competed in major fighting events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Pride Fighting Championships. He famously won the UFC 6 tournament. Taktarov has also won fights against well-known fighters such as Marco Ruas and Tank Abbott.
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Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Oleg Taktarov started learning martial arts when he was 12 years old. He trained in both judo and sambo. He began competing in these sports during his time serving in the military. At one point, he even became an instructor for hand-to-hand combat.
In 1989, Oleg became interested in a new type of fighting called Jujutsu Full Contact. He won the first four events he entered. He also trained in jujutsu and became a four-time European champion. In 1993, Taktarov moved to the United States. He hoped to become a film actor there.
Oleg Taktarov's Mixed Martial Arts Career
When Oleg first came to North America, he wanted to be an actor. But he decided to become a professional fighter to help him stay in the country. He had watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and wanted to join.
He was accepted into the UFC 5 tournament in April 1995. A week before the event, Oleg injured his knee. But he decided to compete anyway.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Journey
In the UFC, Oleg was called "The Russian Bear." This was a nickname his manager gave him. He was known for representing Sambo, a unique martial art. Oleg also stood out because he was always friendly and smiling.
His first fight was against Ernie Verdicia. Oleg quickly won by using a special choke hold. He then faced wrestler Dan Severn. Oleg's injured knee made it hard to fight. Severn won the match after Oleg got a cut on his face.
After this, Oleg trained with Ken Shamrock and his team. He learned a lot from Shamrock.
Oleg returned for UFC 6. In his first fight, he beat Dave Beneteau with a guillotine choke. His next opponent was Anthony Macias. Oleg won this fight in just nine seconds with another guillotine choke. This was the fastest submission in UFC history at the time.
In the finals, Oleg fought the much larger Tank Abbott. Both fighters were very tired. After a long and tough fight, Oleg won by using a rear naked choke. He became the UFC 6 tournament champion. He was so exhausted he had to go to the hospital right after.
As the champion, Oleg was set to fight Ken Shamrock again at UFC 7. They were friends, so Oleg was not eager to fight him. The match lasted a long time, and both fighters showed great toughness. The fight ended in a draw because there were no judges.
Oleg then entered the Ultimate Ultimate 1995 tournament. He beat Dave Beneteau again with a leg lock. Next, he faced Marco Ruas. Oleg won this fight by decision because he was more aggressive. In the finals, he fought Dan Severn for a second time. Severn won the decision after a long fight.
Oleg left the UFC after this tournament. He felt the UFC was focusing more on other fighters. However, in 2003, fans voted Oleg as one of the top 10 most popular fighters in UFC history.
Post-UFC Fights and Return
After leaving the UFC, Oleg fought in other events. He had a draw with Marco Ruas in Brazil. He also fought Renzo Gracie, but lost due to an injury.
In 1997, Oleg won a fight against Sean Alvarez with punches. Later that year, he fought Gary Goodridge in Japan. Oleg lost this fight by knockout.
Oleg returned to mixed martial arts in 2007. He won his comeback fight against John Marsh. His last fight was against Mark Kerr, whom he also beat. Oleg Taktarov finished his MMA career with 17 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws.
Acting Career
After his fighting career, Oleg Taktarov became a successful actor. He has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Some of his well-known films include Air Force One, Bad Boys II, and National Treasure.
He also appeared in the movie Predators and Den of Thieves. In 2022, he played "The Man from Moscow" in the film The Man from Toronto. Oleg has also starred in Russian TV series.
Championships and Accomplishments
Oleg Taktarov achieved many things in his fighting career:
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC 6 tournament winner
- UFC Viewer's Choice Awardee (one of the top ten most popular fighters)
- Ultimate Ultimate 1995 runner-up
- Received awards for "Fight of the Night" and "Submission of the Night" multiple times.
- Iron Gladiators
- Won the Iron Gladiators Competition twice in 1994.
Exhibition Boxing Match
In 2007, Oleg Taktarov had a special boxing match against actor Dolph Lundgren. Oleg won the fight by decision after five rounds.
See also
In Spanish: Oleg Taktárov para niños
- List of male mixed martial artists
