Biography
Oleg Taktarov was born in the closed Soviet city of Arzamas-16, Gorky region (now the city of Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region). Oleg’s father, Nikolai Taktarov, a former military man with a rank in boxing, decided to send the boy to the sambo and judo section under the guidance of an experienced coach Vitaly Karlovich Mikhailov. Oleg trained with great diligence and competed in various competitions. The coach saw potential in the boy, believed in his abilities and hoped for his great sports future. After graduating from high school, Oleg Taktarov served two years in the Soviet army: first in a sports company, and then in the air defense forces. Upon his return, he entered the Nizhny Novgorod Polytechnic Institute with a degree in “Electromechanics on long-distance vessels”, receiving a diploma of higher education. In 1990, Oleg Taktarov fulfilled the standard for Master of Sports of the USSR in sambo. Two years later, he won the “White Dragon” mixed martial arts tournament among amateurs, which took place in Riga. American specialists noticed him at the competition and invited him to take part in professional fights in the States. In 1995, Taktarov went to the United States to engage in professional sports in order to earn money to fulfill his long-time dream of acting in Hollywood films. In 1996, he entered one of the most prestigious American acting theater academies, Playhouse West, in Hollywood, where he studied for six years, while pursuing a sports career and acting in films. “I went to Hollywood, left my business in Nizhny Novgorod, which brought in very good money. That year was good, I had no quarrels, no problems... I was haunted by the fact that everything was too good and I was not striving for anything. Then I took 4.5 thousand dollars, bought a plane ticket and flew to the USA. I went to America because I had a dream to act in films. I hoped to find something new for myself and went after my dream. Before I had time to leave, half of the businessmen in our field were killed in Nizhny. The rest began to have major problems, for most everything collapsed. And at the same time, a completely new life began for me,” Taktarov shared.
Early years, childhood and family of Oleg Taktarov
Oleg Taktarov was born on August 26, 1967 in the closed scientific city of Arzamas-16, which today is called Sarov.
His parents were military personnel, and therefore, from childhood, our today's hero was brought up in strictness. Oleg began practicing martial arts from an early age. In this regard, sambo became the “basic” sport for him. The future actor attended classes at a local school and also participated in various competitions in his age category.
Some time later, jiu-jitsu was added to his list of hobbies. The future actor also achieved impressive success in this combat discipline and even managed to win many different competitions even before reaching adulthood.
Oleg Taktarov - actor and athlete
As for acting, it always seemed to our today's hero to be something of an unattainable goal. Looking at the best representatives of the world of overseas fighters, Oleg Taktarov always wanted to be like them, and therefore he always trained with redoubled zeal.
After graduating from secondary school, the guy went to serve in the Soviet army. However, something fundamentally new did not happen to him during this period. From an early age, Oleg lived in strict army regulations, and therefore military service was something familiar and familiar to him.
Returning home, the young guy began to think about his future fate. During this period, Russia was in a phase of perestroika. The USSR sank into oblivion, and therefore the world around Oleg underwent significant changes. With the fall of the communist regime, various new sports began to appear in the former Soviet republics, which were brought here by the “wind of change.” One of these was fights without rules, which became very popular in the Baltic states.
In 1993, Oleg Taktarov took part in the Riga “White Dragon” tournament and, unexpectedly for everyone, managed to become its champion. This and some other successes allowed our today's hero to save the necessary money to move to the USA. Going to America, Oleg dreamed of becoming a famous actor, but again he found himself in the fighting ring.
Dolph Lundgren vs. Oleg Taktarov The Russian athlete participated in fights without rules and became quite famous as a talented fighter. Money flowed like a river. With money came fame. However, it did not bring real satisfaction. In the fights for the title of champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Oleg’s dream of an acting career only became stronger. And therefore, at one point, the former fighter left the bloody sport.
Sports career
Oleg Taktarov became the first Russian champion in martial arts in the United States.
On April 7, 1995, Taktarov made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at the UFC 5 tournament, performing under the pseudonym The Russian Bear (from English - “Russian Bear”). Despite a knee injury, he successfully fought the first fight, winning by choke. The second fight was stopped due to Taktarov's cut, and the victory was awarded to Dan Severn. In July 1995, Taktarov took part in the next tournament, UFC 6. In the semifinals, he won one of the fastest victories in history, performing a guillotine choke at the 9th second. The final match against David Abbott lasted more than 17 minutes and ended in victory for Taktarov. This earned him the championship title, despite the fact that he did not hold a permanent UFC championship belt. At UFC 7, held in September 1995, Taktarov fought for the championship against Ken Shamrock. The 30-minute battle did not reveal the winner, and the added 3 minutes did not either. The fight ended in a draw. On December 16, 1995, Taktarov took part in the “The Ultimate Ultimate” tournament, which brought together the best fighters of the year in the UFC. In the final, he again met Dan Severn and at the end of the 30-minute fight lost by unanimous decision. After this, Taktarov left the UFC. On November 21, 2003, at UFC 45, a fan poll was conducted to determine the most popular fighters in UFC history. According to the survey results, Oleg Taktarov entered the top ten. Oleg Taktarov returned to professional fighting in 2007 and took part in the BodogFIGHT: USA vs. Russia". Here he defeated the American John Marsh. In 2008, at a tournament under the auspices of “YAMMA Pit Fighting”, Oleg’s last fight took place against the American Mark Kerr, which Taktarov also won. On March 26, 2012, Oleg Taktarov, together with like-minded people Rishat Sayapov, Sergei Shostakov and Oleg Rozhkevich, founded and headed until 2020 the All-Russian physical culture and sports public organization “Federation of Mixed Martial Arts of Russia.”
Materials
“This is a power struggle, things like this don’t just happen.” The legendary fighter Taktarov talks about the unrest in the USA Exclusive
He knows American life firsthand.
Boxing and MMASunday, 13:37
They tried to conquer the USA long before Khabib. The first fighters from Russia in the UFC
A historical moment.
Boxing and MMA28 April
“The whole world recognized me, and Bure began to be proud that he was Russian.” How Taktarov recalled the UFC championship
A little bit of antiquity.
Boxing and MMA27 April
10 athletes who became movie and show business stars: Nagiyev, Lindemann, Schwarzenegger, Kobzon and others
Some names will definitely surprise you.
Other26 April
Cinema
Sports achievements helped Oleg Taktarov start the film career that he had dreamed of since childhood. In the late 90s, while still studying at the theater academy, he starred in episodes of several American films. And in 1999, after difficult auditions with hundreds of competitors from all over the world, he received his first big role in the film “15 Minutes of Fame,” which he did well. In 2004, after the premiere of the thriller “National Treasure,” Taktarov decided to go back to Russia. Oleg's Russian film career developed much more successfully. The very first role, the role of Vitka Kamaz in the TV series “Hunting for Red Deer,” brought well-deserved success and recognition from Russian viewers. And on February 6, 2008, the premiere screening of Alexander Atanesyan’s crime drama “Montana” took place at the Oktyabr cinema. This was Oleg's first leading role. Among Taktarov’s acting works are roles in the films: “Rollerball” (2002, USA), “44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out” (2003, USA), “Masters of the Night” (2007, USA), “Predators” (2010 , USA), “Policeman Wounded” (2013, USA), “Misfire” (2017, USA). He also starred in the television series “Alias” (2003, USA), “NCIS: Special Branch” (2008, USA).
Oleg Taktarov's partners on the set were: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Jean Reno, Nicolas Cage. In 2020, the film “Oil Painting” was released, in which Oleg Taktarov played the main role, and also acted in a new role for himself - director. According to the plot of the film, Alexey Venetsianov’s painting “The Girl with a Mysterious Smile” is stolen from a major St. Petersburg businessman. However, the businessman himself does not suspect that his competitors only removed a copy of the painting from the wall. The original was stolen by the enterprising wife of the collector much earlier. In order not to risk herself, the lady sends her beloved friend and her husband’s best ex-bodyguard to America in order to sell a work of art to a famous overseas antique dealer. The couple goes on a trip and has no idea how dangerous the alluring, bustling Las Vegas will be.
A television
On June 10, 2007, Oleg “Russian Bear” Taktarov took part in the final boxing TV show “King of the Ring” on the Russian channel. His participation consisted of holding a “special fight” against Dolph Lundgren (outside the main event) as a gift to the audience of the King of the Ring final. The boxing “superfight” followed the same rules as the fights of the participants in the finals of the TV show: five rounds of one and a half minutes each with two-minute breaks between them. Taktarov won the fight on points. In 2009, Taktarov organized the filming of the Russian reality show “Men’s Games.”
From October 9, 2011 to January 22, 2012, together with singer Vera Brezhneva, he was one of the hosts of the military-patriotic television show “Special Assignment.”
On the Russia-1 TV channel, Oleg Taktarov took part as a presenter and fitness instructor in the “Give Yourself Life” project. “When this offer came, I knew that it would not be done for show, for money, it would definitely be something outstanding, out of the ordinary, something that no one had filmed from us before... In addition, they added that, having rejected about 40 names, my candidacy was approved by the top officials of our government. Therefore, I didn’t have to do much convincing,” Oleg commented on his participation in this project.
Video
Taktarov vs. CAUCASUS and Emelianenko / What's happening
Boxing and MMA21 April
A DAGESTANIAN WANTS TO BEAT TAKTAROV / I will mock him in the ring!
Boxing and MMA22 January
All news
Top
Taktarov compared Russian and American police after the murder of an African American in Minneapolis
Boxing and MMAyesterday, 05:01
“Everyone will be transplanted, and the insurance companies will pay.” Taktarov predicted the outcome of unrest in the USA
Boxing and MMASunday, 13:09
“American police have no brains, I’ve known that for a long time.” Taktarov - about the unrest in the USA after the death of a black man
Boxing and MMASunday, 13:01
Taktarov - about Tyson’s fight at a wrestling show: “For this sport a blow is not needed”
Boxing and MMAFriday, 04:23
Taktarov: “Dana White is very sensitive about what happened before him in the UFC”
Boxing and MMA23 May
"The same Yakuza who killed the second Super Predator." Taktarov posted a photo with his partner in a Hollywood film
Boxing and MMA22 May
"Oleg Taktaison." Taktarov showed what Mike Tyson would look like if he were Russian
Boxing and MMA May 18
Taktarov - about Khabib’s father: “Let’s either pray or remain silent”
Boxing and MMA May 14
Shlemenko ridiculed Taktarov, who challenged Tyson: “He can only arrange a face-to-face drinking meeting”
Boxing and MMA13 May
Taktarov: “Kandelaki said: “Pump up your butt.” And everything went well for her"
Boxing and MMA13 May
"20 seconds." Taktarov had an unflattering assessment of Tyson's prospects in MMA
Boxing and MMA12 May
Taktarov to Tyson: “You haven’t returned yet... At least not to my level”
Boxing and MMA11 May
Taktarov: “Yan would decompose Cejudo into molecules”
Boxing and MMA10 May
Taktarov: “Gaethje could become an unpleasant opponent for Khabib”
Boxing and MMA10 May
Taktarov - about the celebration of May 9: “There is no need to offend the Germans. They weren’t the only ones who fought against Russia.”
Boxing and MMA10 May
Taktarov: “I want to fight Tyson anytime and anywhere”
Boxing and MMA7 May
Taktarov: “We’re on even terms with Abdulmanap, I’ve forgiven Khabib”
Boxing and MMA4 May
“Putin and the Rotenbergs have been fighting as much as I have. Do they also have broken heads?” Taktarov responded to criticism
Boxing and MMA29 April
“Abdulmanap will be all right.” Taktarov spoke about the health of Khabib’s father
Boxing and MMA26 April
“I’m sincerely worried.” Taktarov wished health to Nurmagomedov’s father, who was hospitalized due to pneumonia
Boxing and MMA25 April
Taktarov: “I meant Ferguson when I said that I would help Khabib defeat Conor”
Boxing and MMA24 April
“With me, Khabib will have nothing to fear from Conor.” Taktarov volunteered to help Nurmagomedov
Boxing and MMA23 April
Taktarov: “I want Kadyrov to give a pink Mercedes to Emelianenko. You don’t need blue, pink is just right.”
Boxing and MMA23 April
Taktarov wants to deal with Emelianenko in a dark room: “I don’t consider this citizen to be a person”
Boxing and MMA23 April
Taktarov explained himself for the conflict on the topic of the Caucasus: “Some Chechen edited everything. Let Ramzan figure it out."
Boxing and MMA22 April
"He's just a fool." Ismailov reacted to Taktarov’s words addressed to Caucasians
Boxing and MMA22 April
“The Caucasus is the pride of Russia!” Zapashny supported A. Emelianenko in the conflict with Taktarov
Boxing and MMA21 April
“The Caucasus is a stronghold of the true Russian spirit.” The actor from “Univer” responded to the conflict between A. Emelianenko and Taktarov
Boxing and MMA21 April
Taktarov reacted to insults from A. Emelianenko: “He died in my eyes”
Boxing and MMA21 April
A. Emelianenko severely insulted Taktarov for criticizing the Caucasian people
Boxing and MMA21 April
Personal life
Oleg Taktarov was married three times, the athlete’s second marriage was civil. The first wife is Milena, Taktarov lived with her for five years, she gave birth to his son Sergei. The second, Kathleen, an American, worked as the warden of a maximum security prison. Oleg and Kathleen met after one of his few defeats in the ring. She provided support to the fighter and helped him get out of his psychological crisis, after which they began dating. Oleg and Kathleen had a son, Keaton, but, nevertheless, the marriage broke up. The third wife of Oleg Taktarov was Russian woman Maria Troshchiy. In this marriage, the couple had a son, Nikita.
The athlete spoke about the details of his personal life in the program “The Fate of a Man with Boris Korchevnikov.” Based on materials from russia.tv, Wikipedia.org, kino-teatr.ru, stuki-druki.com.
Filmography. Actor
- Ambulance (2018), TV series
- The Last Test (2018)
- Hunt for Thieves (2018)
- Studio Nizhny (2017)
- Misfire (2017)
- Rustle (2016), TV series
- Young (2016)
- 99% Dead (2016), TV series
- Swing (2016), TV series
- Rockland (2015)
- Escape to the sky. Devyataev (2015)
- Oil painting (2015)
- Temporarily unavailable (2015), TV series
- Departing Nature (2014), TV series
- In the Deep (2014), TV series
- Viy (2014)
- Cop Wounded (2013)
- Courier from "Paradise" (2013)
- Ex-wife (2013), TV series
- Ahead of the Shot (2012), TV series
- Ticket to VEGAS (2012)
- Fights (2011), TV series
- Summer of Wolves (2011), TV series
- Generation “P” (2011)
- Predators (2010)
- Guardian (2009), TV series
- The Mystery of Genghis Khaan (2009)
- The Way (2009)
- Right to Kill (2008)
- NCIS: SWAT (2008)
- Maltese Cross (2008)
- Man Without a Gun (2007), TV series
- Masters of the Night (2007)
- Soldiers-13 (2007), TV series
- Seconds to... (2007), TV series
- On the way to the heart (2007), TV series
- Montana (2007)
- Afghan (2007)
- Shift (2006)
- Miami Vice: Vice (2006)
- Setup (2006)
- Hunting for the Red Deer (2005), TV series
- Men's season. Velvet Revolution (2005)
- Call me Genie (2005)
- National Treasures (2004)
- Sins of the Fathers (2004), TV series
- Bad Boys 2 (2003)
- Red Snake (2003)
- Rollerball (2002)
- Spy (2001-2006)
- Let's Make It Quick (2001)
- 15 minutes of fame (2001)
- Urgent Dive-2 (1998)
- Total Power 2 (1997)
- Total Power (1997)
- Airplane of the President (1997)
- Military investigators (1995-2005)
