Who Is Oleg Taktarov? Age, Biography and Wiki
Oleg Taktarov, born on August 26, 1967, is a celebrated Russian actor and mixed martial arts fighter. He gained prominence in the early '90s and has made a significant mark in both the sports and entertainment industries. In 2025, Oleg is 57 years old and continues to stay relevant by engaging with his fans and pursuing new projects. His Wikipedia page offers detailed insights into his life, career, and legacy.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1967 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Arzamas-16, Gorky Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Russia |
Popularity
Oleg Taktarov's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Oleg Taktarov stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 205 pounds (93 kg). His athletic build is a testament to his years of training in mixed martial arts, contributing to his status as one of the prominent fighters of his time.
Taktarov was billed in the event as "The Russian Bear," a stereotypical nickname invented by his manager, and hailed as a Sambo representative, as this was the most exotic martial art in Taktarov's background.
However, he stood out for his friendly demeanor, showing an infectious smile to the camera while introducing himself instead of the intimidating faces and postures other fighters were striking.
His first fight was against Kempo Karate expert Ernie Verdicia, whom Oleg quickly submitted by pulling guard, sweeping him between his strikes, and locking an arm triangle choke for the tapout. He advanced round to meet Greco-Roman wrestler Dan Severn, but Taktarov's injured knee limited his performance, already disadvantaged by 55 lbs.
Severn took the Russian down, passed his guard and blocked him against the cage wall, where Taktarov was repeatedly hit with knee strikes and headbutts while he tried to look for submissions. As the strikes opened a deep cut on Oleg's face, the referee stopped the fight in Severn's favor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Oleg Taktarov has always kept his personal life somewhat private. As of 2025, he is rumored to be dating a non-public figure, but specific details about his partner and relationship status remain largely undisclosed. He has emphasized the importance of family and remains supportive of his children, often speaking fondly of them in various interviews.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Oleg Taktarov's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth has been accumulated through various avenues, including his successful career in mixed martial arts, acting roles, and endorsements. His earnings reflect his influential status in both fields, showcasing his ability to capitalize on his fame over the decades.
Originally travelling to North America, the goal of Taktarov was originally to become an actor but he decided to become a professional fighter in order to gain a visa extension.
In order to get in touch with Hollywood actors, and having watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship event UFC 2, Taktarov contacted the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1994, offering himself to train Royce Gracie in sambo leglocks.
Although he was accepted as a training partner after proving his skill against several instructors, he was ultimately rejected due to his inability to pay the fee.
Taktarov next contacted the UFC management in order to participate himself for the prize money, being advised that he was already familiar with that kind of competition and had a chance of winning.
He was finally accepted into the UFC 5 tournament in April, and would later find out that the Gracie family had previously pressed to keep him out of the UFC. A week before the event, Taktarov dislocated his knee, but he decided not to pull out of the tournament.
Career, Business and Investments
Oleg Taktarov's career spans across fighting and acting. He is regarded as one of the early mixed martial arts pioneers, having fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and earning a title in 1995. Following his fighting career, he transitioned into acting, appearing in several films and television shows, reinforcing his versatility as a performer. Additionally, Oleg has ventured into business, exploring opportunities in promotional events related to martial arts and fitness.
Taktarov started his experience in martial arts at 12, when he took up both judo and sambo. He started competing in those disciplines during his obligatory military service, at one point also becoming a hand-to-hand instructor for the KGB, until he retired at 22 in order to become a businessman.
However, according to Taktarov, in 1989 he would find himself attracted to a jacketed mixed martial arts event called Jujutsu Full Contact, whose four first editions he won in dominant fashion. He also trained in jujutsu around this time, becoming a four time European champion.
In October 1993, Taktarov and a training partner participated in the White Dragon MMA tournament in Latvia, but were forced to flee from the country due to political tensions. He would land in United States, as he planned to pursue a film acting career, though this would be delayed by his lack of fluency in English language.
Social Network
Oleg Taktarov is active on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares glimpses of his life, training routines, and professional projects. His engaging posts have allowed him to maintain a robust relationship with his fans, who appreciate his candidness and charisma. As of 2025, he continues to gain followers and remains a respected figure in the MMA community.
After the event, Taktarov went to train with Ken Shamrock in his Lion's Den fighting team. He described this time as: "For a month Ken and I fought together. The guys who later became good fighters, like Frank Shamrock or Guy Mezger, were not any competition for me at the time. The only guy I trained with was Ken, and we had battles behind closed doors. Nobody was allowed to watch them."
Education
Oleg Taktarov pursued his education in Russia, where he developed a background in physical education and martial arts. His academic experience has shaped his rigorous training and approach to both fighting and acting. Throughout his career, Oleg has emphasized the significance of education and discipline, inspiring many aspiring fighters and actors.
