Early career

Mustafaev made his professional mixed martial arts debut on April 29, 2011, defeating fellow Russian Marat Medzhidov by TKO in the first round. The first loss on his professional record came in his next fight less than three months later against Dagestani Arsen Ubaidulaev due to a rear-naked choke.

Mustafaev faced to Russian MMA prospect Andrei Koshkin on March 14, 2014, at M-1 Challenge 46. He won via submission in the second round.^[2]

On September 1, 2014, Mustafaev competed in the Sochi Star 2014 Welterweight Grand Prix. Mustafaev defeated Amirkhan Adaev and Gleb Morozov both by KO in the first round. Mustafaev followed up with another winning performance against Russian MMA prospect and WSOF fighter Abubakar Nurmagomedov^[3] (cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov) to claim the tournament victory and propel himself into consideration for a shot in a top tier MMA promotion.^[4]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Following the tournament victory and a 10 fight win streak in various Russian MMA events, Mustafaev signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on November 6, 2014.^[5] In his move from Russian MMA promotions to the UFC, Mustafaev transitioned from Welterweight to the Lightweight division.

Mustafaev first fought in the UFC opposite Piotr Hallmann on June 20, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin, Germany. Mustafaev won by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) in the second round due to multiple cuts around the eyes of Hallmann.^[6]

Mustafaev faced Joe Proctor at UFC 194 on December 12, 2015.^[7] He won the fight via TKO in the first round after a liver kick.^[8]

Mustafaev faced Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night 99 on November 19, 2016.^[9] He suffered an arm injury and lost the fight by submission due to a rear naked choke in the second round.^[10]

After an extended hiatus, due in part to an arm injury suffered in his last fight, Musafaev faced promotional newcomer Rafael Fiziev on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 149.^[11] Mustafaev won the fight by first round technical knockout.^[12] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.^[13]

Mustafaev was expected to face Don Madge on September 7, 2019, at UFC 242.^[14] However, on August 18, 2019, it was reported that Mustafaev was removed from the bout for undisclosed reasons.^[15]

Mustafaev faced Brad Riddell on February 23, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker.^[16] He lost the fight via split decision.^[17]

Mustafaev was scheduled to face Renato Moicano on October 18, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 180.^[18] However, Moicano pulled out of the fight in mid-September for undisclosed reasons,^[19] and he was replaced by Mateusz Gamrot.^[20] In turn, the bout was scrapped entirely for undisclosed reasons.^[21]

Mustafaev was expected to face Damir Ismagulov on October 30, 2021, at UFC 267.^[22] However at the weigh-ins, Ismagulov came in at 163.5 pounds, missing weight by 7.5 pounds, the bout was subsequently canceled by the UFC.^[23]

Mustafaev was scheduled to face Jamie Mullarkey on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280.^[24] However, Mullarkey pulled out in mid-September due to injury,^[25] and he was replaced by Yamato Nishikawa.^[26] In turn, Nishikawa was forced to withdraw due to contractual issues. The bout was ultimately scrapped from the card.^[27]

In late October 2022, it was reported that Mustafaev was released by the UFC.^[28]

Mixed martial artist

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Rafael Fiziev^[29]
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2015: Ranked #7 Newcomer of the Year^[30]