Magomedov was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan. During his childhood Magomedov engaged in various types of martial arts including karate, boxing, and kickboxing winning national competitions in each discipline. Magomedov entered military service and competed in martial arts competitions and in 2004 won the title of Master of Sports in the hand-to-hand fighting category. After Magomedov's period of army service he trained in Combat Sambo.
Magomedov was scheduled to challenge Shamil Zavurov for the M-1 Welterweight championship at on December 9, 2011. The fight, however, was postponed. Magomedov faced Yasubey Enomoto on March 16, 2012 at M-1 Challenge 31. He won the fight via unanimous decision and became the new M-1 Global Welterweight Champion. Magomedov faced Alexander Yakovlev on November 15, 2012 at M-1 Challenge 35. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Magomedov made his UFC debut against fellow promotional newcomer Tony Martin in a lightweight bout on February 1, 2014 at UFC 169. After surviving a tight arm bar submission attempt by Martin in the first round, he rallied to win the fight via unanimous decision. In his second fight, Magomedov faced Rodrigo Damm on May 31, 2014 at. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Magomedov faced Elias Silvério on December 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 58. After winning the first two rounds, he won the fight via TKO in the third round after dropping Silvério with a stiff left hook and following up with punches, becoming the first man to beat Silvério. Magomedov faced Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 77 on November 7, 2015. He dominated the three rounds and won via unanimous decision. Magomedov was expected to face Chris Wade on May 8, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 87. However, Magomedov pulled out of the bout on March 7 due to a knee injury. He was replaced by Rustam Khabilov. Magomedov faced Beneil Dariush on November 5, 2016 at. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Magomedov faced Bobby Green on April 15, 2017 at UFC on Fox 24. He won the fight via split decision.
On August 20, 2017 it was reported Magomedov had parted ways with the UFC as the two sides had failed to renegotiate a contract. He signed with the Professional Fighters League and is taking part in the promotion's Lightweight Grand Prix. In his first fight in the tournament, Magomedov faced Luiz Firmino on August 2, 2018. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Magomedov then fought twice at PFL 9 on October 13, 2018. In the quarterfinals, he fought Will Brooks to a draw but advanced via first round tiebreaker. He then faced Thiago Tavares in the semifinals and won via TKO in the second round. Magomedov then faced Natan Schulte in the finals at PFL 11 on December 31, 2018. He lost the back-and-forth bout by unanimous decision.
