Nursulton Ruziboev: The Uzbek Powerhouse Ready to Conquer UFC Baku

When Nursulton Ruziboev first stepped into the UFC Octagon, he didn’t arrive as a typical newcomer. With a staggering 20 submission wins on his resume, the Uzbekistani standout brought a level of grappling expertise that immediately put the middleweight division on notice. After securing impressive stoppage victories over Brunno Ferreira and Sedriques Dumas, Ruziboev quickly established himself as a dangerous force in the 185-pound class.

Learning from the Scales: The Return to Middleweight

Every fighter faces a turning point, and for Ruziboev, it came during a brief, challenging venture into the welterweight division. Attempting to drop to 170 pounds proved to be a misstep that resulted in a loss to Joaquin Buckley. However, the 6’5″ fighter viewed this experience as a vital lesson in preparation and weight management.

“What that taught me was that you do not want to come out not prepared and not ready,” Ruziboev reflected. “My working weight is now 84kg, which is middleweight—this is where I’m comfortable, and this is where I do my best fights.”

Since returning to his natural weight class, Ruziboev has been on a rampage, securing a second-round finish against Eric McConico and a dominant performance over Dustin Stoltzfus, bringing his divisional record to a stellar 4-0.

A New Chapter at American Top Team

Training environments play a crucial role in an athlete’s evolution. While Ruziboev maintains a respectful relationship with his former coaches at Marquez MMA in Philadelphia, he recently relocated to the sunny climes of Florida to join the world-renowned American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek.

Why the move to Florida?

• Ideal Climate: The Miami weather provides a refreshing change of pace and environment.
• Elite Sparring: The move allowed him to train alongside some of the best in the world.
• Strategic Partnerships: Ruziboev even spent time helping Khamzat Chimaev prepare for his high-profile clash with Sean Strickland.

The Road to UFC Baku: Ruziboev vs. Pulyaev

On June 27, 2026, Ruziboev will compete in Baku, Azerbaijan—a location incredibly close to his home country. While the emotional weight of fighting near home is significant, the Uzbek fighter remains laser-focused on the task at hand: Andrey Pulyaev.

Pulyaev, a tall and rangy fighter from Dana White’s Contender Series, presents a unique challenge. Despite some inconsistent results, Pulyaev has faced a tough strength of schedule, making this matchup a fascinating clash of styles and endurance.

The Game Plan

Ruziboev isn’t looking to change the formula that has made him successful. He intends to bring his signature aggression and pressure, while adding a layer of strategic intelligence to ensure the victory.

“I’m gonna fight the same way I always fight; I’m gonna still be aggressive, I’m gonna still pressure him,” Ruziboev stated confidently. “I’ll wait for the UFC to assign whoever is next.”

Event Details: How to Watch

Fans can catch the action of UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs Torres live from the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku. You can find more information on fight cards and schedules via the official UFC website.

Date: June 27, 2026
Prelims: 9am ET / 6am PT
Main Card: 12pm ET / 9am PT
Streaming: Live on Paramount+