About Vitaly Minakov

Vitaly Viktorovich Minakov (Russian: Виталий Викторович Минаков; born February 6, 1985, Bryansk) is a Russian mixed martial artist, sambist and judoka currently competing in the heavyweight division of Bellator, where he is the former Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion. A professional competitor since 2010, he has also competed for M-1 Global and Fight Nights Global. He is #6 in the world rankings by the LA Times.

2012 Olympics
Because Vitaly is a numerous Sambo World Champion and a Junior Russian National Champion in Judo, he considered competing at the 2012 Olympics in London. It is unknown why he didn't make the team.