A six time M-1 Challenge veteran, Magomed Shikhshabekov is a highly skilled Russian prospect currently signed to the M-1 Global roster. Fighting out of Rostov-on-Donas as part of the Legion Fight Team, Shikhshabekov's training partners are made up almost entirely of Russian athletes (including UFC veteran Ansar Chalangov) and it shows in his fighting style as he has a definite European feel to his MMA game.

Entering the sport with backgrounds in Russian Sambo and pankration, Shikhshabekov has proven himself to be a skilled grappler with good standup skills. Shikhshabekov was actually a fairly decorated pankration competitor who won numerous tournaments prior to entering the sport of mixed martial arts (including the Pankration Black Sea Cup, and Cup of Champions in Pankration), and is equipped with a well rounded grappling game showing proficiency from both top position and fighting off his back. Shikhshabekov is fully capable of taking the fight to the ground and possesses good takedowns, particularly in the clinch with effective trips and throws (not surprising give his sambo background; see bout with Dos Santos below). A technically sound grappler, Shikhshabekov doesn't get overly anxious and displays good guard passing and ground control abilities. He is very well versed in submissions and has a very active, dangerous submission game and is not afraid to give up position in order to try and secure the finish.

Magomed Shikhshabekov shows well rounded abilities and displays good work on his feet to compliment his grappling abilities. He is very light and quick on his feet, moves well and possesses a diverse standup game with a solid repertoire of kicks (back kicks, high kicks) and good boxing skills (again no surprise given his pankration and sambo backgrounds). Shikhshabekov shows good defensive skills in always keeping his hands up and uses his striking well to set up his takedown attempts. Overall Shikhshabekov shows well rounded abilities and has an MMA game that flows very nicely, and given his age shows tremendous promise in developing into a well rounded mixed martial artist.