Nursulton Ruziboev scores violent submission at UFC Baku

Nursulton Ruziboev made quick work of his comeback fight Saturday at UFC Baku, choking Andrey Pulyaev unconscious in the first round after a year out of action.

The middleweight bout aired on the Paramount+ prelims from National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ruziboev entered as the betting favourite despite not fighting since May 2025, carrying a 4-1 UFC record with three finishes. Pulyaev never found his footing. After a brief exchange on the feet, Ruziboev shot in and secured back control. With Pulyaev offering little resistance from the mat, Ruziboev locked up a rear-naked choke. Pulyaev refused to tap, so Ruziboev held it until he went limp.

Ruziboev eyes top-15 push at middleweight

The 32-year-old improves to 5-1 inside the Octagon. His only UFC loss came against Joaquin Buckley in 2024. MMA Mania noted that Ruziboev should have a chance to fight again before the end of the year, positioning himself for a run at the middleweight top 15.

UFC Baku marked the promotion's latest international card on Paramount+. Ruziboev's finish was among the highlight-reel moments from the Azerbaijan event.

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• MMA Mania — Highlights! Nursulton Ruziboev delivers violent submission win after one-year layoff | UFC Baku