Ruziboev Puts Pulyaev to Sleep With First‑Round Rear‑Naked Choke at UFC Baku
The quick technical submission strengthens Ruziboev’s UFC momentum and positions him to target top‑15 middleweight opponents.
Overview
- On June 27, 2026, at UFC Baku in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nursulton Ruziboev secured back control and locked a rear‑naked choke that rendered Andrey Pulyaev unconscious for a technical submission at 3:58 of Round 1.
- The finish was broadcast live on Paramount+ and was highlighted by UFC social channels, which noted the choke added to Ruziboev’s long career submission total.
- The victory moved Ruziboev’s UFC record to 5-1 and marked his first Octagon appearance since May 2025 following roughly a one‑year layoff.
- Reports say Pulyaev refused to tap and was put to sleep by the choke, and the stoppage was officially recorded as a technical submission.
- Ruziboev told Michael Bisping after the fight that he wants ranked, top‑15 middleweight opponents next, a push that would test whether his wins to date over lower‑profile foes can translate into a climb in the division.