As UFC Des Moines approaches on May 3, 2025, fans excitedly await the fight between two rising middleweights: Ryan “Man of Steel” Loder and Azamat “Iron” Bekoev. This fight promises to be a watershed moment in both of their UFC careers, particularly following Bekoev’s spectacular victory in his official debut. As the stakes mount, many are curious about the man who earned the nickname “Iron” and his journey to the Octagon.

Many people have been following Bekoev’s rise through the ranks of MMA, from his early amateur days to his victory at UFC 311. While fans have been attracted by his in-cage skills, doubts regarding his ethnicity, nationality, and religion continue to remain at the forefront. So, outside of the Octagon, who is Azamat Bekoev? Let’s take a closer look at the man from Vladikavkaz.

What is Azamat Bekoev’s ethnicity and nationality?

Azamat Bekoev is from Vladikavkaz, Russia, which is the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. North Ossetia is located in the North Caucasus region, which has a rich history and is noted for its unique cultures and traditions. Bekoev is of Ossetian descent, a population indigenous to the region. The Ossetians have a distinct cultural identity and speak Ossetian, an Indo-Iranian language. ‘Iron’ grew up in Vladikavkaz, a city encircled by the high Caucasus mountains, in a household that emphasized hard work and discipline.

His father worked as a miner, and his mother as a teacher, and both instilled in him a strong sense of determination. Azamat’s ethnicity and family history influenced his development as a fighter. His introduction to combat sports began with amateur competitions, where he soon established a name for himself. Azamat’s MMA career took a huge step forward when he won the 2017 Russian MMA Cup and the Grand Prix of the Cities of Military Glory, both in the 84 kg weight category.

These victories marked his debut in the professional MMA arena, and his performances on a world scale only established his talent. The 29-year-old later competed in prestigious promotions such as ACB, ACA, and LFA, gaining vital experience before joining the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Which religion does Azamat Bekoev follow?

While there is no formal information on Azamat Bekoev’s personal religious beliefs, his cultural background does add a bit of perspective. Born in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, where Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the prevalent religion, Bekoev was most likely exposed to the faith at a young age. However, Bekoev has not openly expressed his religious practices or beliefs in interviews; therefore, his personal spirituality remains private.

Most Ossetians, like others in the Caucasus region, practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and many observe Orthodox Christian holidays and rituals. Bekoev has always prioritized his athletic career, in which he has achieved great success. Despite the lack of direct information on his religious life, Bekoev’s career and public life have been defined more by his fighting accomplishments, and his religious identification, if any, is a matter of personal preference.

With a bright future in the UFC middleweight division, Azamat Bekoev’s story continues to excite fans across the world. As he prepares for his next bout against Ryan Loder, it’s clear his passion for martial arts, strong family roots, and resilience will continue to define him as a fighter. What is next for this emerging star? Only time will tell, but fans are anxiously anticipating his rise in the UFC. What do you think? Will he be able to win his next fight? Let us know in the comments.