Makhachkala, January 26, 2015. Dagestani heavyweight fighter Shamil Abdurakhimov recently signed a contract with the UFC, and he will have his first fight under the organization on April 4 at the UFC Fight Night 63 tournament in the United States, says the UFC official website.

Here, he will oppose 29-year-old American Timothy Johnson, to who that will also be the first bout under the promotion.

In his 10 latest fights, Abdurakhimov lost only Tony Lopez (35-17) being trapped in a triangle. Among those he won are: Jeff Monson (52-20-1), Rameau Thierry Sokodjou (16-12), Neil Grove (1-7-12), and Kenny Garner (14-8). 11 of 15 fights were early wins for the Dagestani, 7 of these being knockouts.

To date, Abdurakhimov is 33, 190.5 cm tall, weighing about 105 kg, an athlete with a 6 year professional MMA experience. He is the 11th Dagestani to have signed a contract with the leading MMA League.