Lithuanian kickboxer Sergej Maslobojev continues to dominate the light heavyweight division, maintaining his position as the world’s number one fighter according to the latest rankings from Combat Press. This recognition comes despite a recent move to the UTMA organization and a past doping controversy, demonstrating the enduring respect for his skill and power within the sport.
Maslobojev’s recent performance at UTMA 16 further solidified his standing. He secured a swift victory over Moldovan fighter Alexandru Burduja, who was forced to withdraw due to injury before the start of the second round. Reports indicate Maslobojev had already established a clear advantage before the stoppage. This win underscores his continued prowess and ability to control the fight from the outset.
The Combat Press rankings, which evaluate fighters across all major organizations, consistently place Maslobojev at the top. His success is particularly notable given the competitive landscape of the light heavyweight division. The rankings highlight the global talent pool in kickboxing, with fighters vying for supremacy across multiple promotions.
Current Top 10 Light Heavyweight Kickboxers (February 2026)
Following Maslobojev, the Combat Press rankings list Tarik Khbabez in second place. Khbabez previously held the Glory world championship but had the title revoked under contentious circumstances. Donegi Abena occupies the third spot, though he is reportedly transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with a contract signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Bahram Rajabzadeh remains fourth, poised to compete for the vacant Glory championship title.
Here’s a complete look at the top ten, as of February 2026:
- Sergej Maslobojevas
- Tarik Khbabez
- Donegi Abena
- Bahram Rajabzadeh
- Michael Boapeah
- Thian de Vries
- Miloš Cvjetičanin
- Cemas Caceres
- Stefan Latescu
- Mory Kromah
Notably, no other Lithuanian fighters currently feature within the top ten rankings in their respective weight classes, highlighting Maslobojev’s singular achievement and prominence on the international stage.
Maslobojev’s Journey and Background
Sergej Maslobojev, born in 1987, has a multifaceted career encompassing boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. He is currently signed with GLORY, where he has previously held the Light Heavyweight championship title twice. Known by his nickname “Kuvalda” (Sledgehammer), Maslobojev brings a powerful and aggressive style to his fights. He began training at the age of 18, inspired by fighters like Mirko Filipović, Wanderlei Silva, and Remigijus Morkevičius, according to his Wikipedia profile.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Maslobojev is as well involved in philanthropic function, participating in various charity events and being a member of UNICEF. He also conducts training seminars for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, demonstrating a commitment to community service. He even self-identifies as a devoted fan of the anime series Dragonball Z.
Looking Ahead
As Maslobojev continues to compete under the UTMA banner, his performance will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His continued dominance in the Combat Press rankings underscores his status as a leading figure in the world of kickboxing. The future holds potential for further challenges and opportunities as he navigates the evolving landscape of the sport. The kickboxing world will be watching to observe if he can maintain his top position and add to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
What are your thoughts on Sergej Maslobojev’s continued success? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about kickboxing and athlete rankings. It is not intended to provide medical or professional sports advice.
