- Mixed martial arts fighter Farhod Rakhimzoda, known as “Tiger Eye,” has reportedly been found dead while serving a 23-year sentence in a Russian prison.
- Rakhimzoda was convicted of the brutal double homicide of 39-year-old Olga Yaroslavtseva and her five-year-old daughter during a targeted carjacking and robbery in Novosibirsk, Russia.
- While reports of his death originated in the Russian media, an official confirmation and the precise cause of death remain pending.
Convicted Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Dies While Serving Homicide Sentence
Farhod Rakhimzoda, a former mixed martial arts competitor who fought under the moniker “Tiger Eye,” has reportedly died while incarcerated. The 33-year-old athlete was serving a 23-year prison sentence following his conviction for the violent murders of a mother and her young daughter. Rakhimzoda’s death was initially reported by the Russian press, though authorities have not yet issued an official confirmation or disclosed the cause of death.
Details of the Double Homicide in Novosibirsk
The harrowing case dates back to a violent robbery in Novosibirsk, Russia, that shocked the region. Rakhimzoda, originally from Tajikistan, targeted 39-year-old Olga Yaroslavtseva after learning that she had recently inherited a substantial sum of money. According to reports from The Sun, Rakhimzoda intended to use the stolen proceeds to purchase a home for his family.
During the attack, Rakhimzoda fatally stabbed Olga Yaroslavtseva directly in front of her five-year-old daughter. Following the stabbing, the fighter took control of the victim’s car and drove the vehicle through the area with the traumatized child seated beside her deceased mother’s corpse. Rakhimzoda subsequently strangled the five-year-old girl. In an effort to conceal the crimes, he dumped the two victims in separate locations across Novosibirsk; Yaroslavtseva’s body was abandoned near a local highway, while the child’s remains were buried beneath snow on the outskirts of the city.
Chilling Response to Inquiries Following the Disappearance
After carrying out the homicides, Rakhimzoda took possession of cash, a mobile device, and proceeded to sell Yaroslavtseva’s vehicle. As friends and loved ones began searching for the missing mother, calls were placed to Yaroslavtseva’s phone. Rakhimzoda answered one of the incoming calls, responding coldly: “The girls are sleeping; I’m not going to wake them”
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Following a regional manhunt, Rakhimzoda—who held a professional mixed martial arts record of four wins and six losses—was intercepted and detained at the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan five days after committing the crimes. In October 2025, he received a 23-year sentence for the double homicide.
Why This Matters
The reported death of Farhod Rakhimzoda marks an abrupt conclusion to a high-profile criminal case that drew intense scrutiny in both Russia and Central Asia. The brutal nature of the crime—involving the calculated targeting of a mother and young child for financial gain by a professional combat sports athlete—led to widespread public outrage and legal fallout. Because Russian authorities have not yet released official documentation regarding Rakhimzoda’s status or the circumstances surrounding his demise, oversight bodies and the public continue to await formal clarification regarding the conditions inside the facility where he was held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Farhod Rakhimzoda?
Farhod Rakhimzoda, known in combat sports as “Tiger Eye,” was a 33-year-old MMA fighter originally from Tajikistan who held a professional record of 4-6. He was convicted of double homicide in Russia.
Why was Rakhimzoda serving a prison sentence?
In October 2025, Rakhimzoda was sentenced to 23 years in prison for fatally stabbing 39-year-old Olga Yaroslavtseva and strangling her five-year-old daughter during a robbery to steal money and a vehicle in Novosibirsk.
Has the cause of Farhod Rakhimzoda’s death been determined?
No. While Russian media outlets first reported that Rakhimzoda died in prison, an official cause of death has not been disclosed, and formal confirmation from state prison authorities remains pending.
