Nursulton Ruziboev: UFC Record, Fighting Style, and Fighter Profile

Nursulton Ruziboev is an Uzbek professional mixed martial artist competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight and welterweight divisions. Known for his finishing power and tall frame, Ruziboev gained global prominence after making a successful UFC debut on July 1, 2023, with a first-round knockout victory over Brunno Ferreira. With over 30 professional victories and a career finish rate above 90 percent, he is one of the most experienced combat sports athletes hailing from Central Asia.

Who is Nursulton Ruziboev?

Nursulton Ruziboev was born on November 19, 1993, in Shahrixon, located in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan. Before signing with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, Ruziboev built his reputation through more than a decade of active competition across regional and international circuits. He competed extensively throughout Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia, appearing under banners such as Brave Combat Federation, Open Fighting Championship, Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), and the World Ereistim Federation (WEF).

Unlike many modern fighters who transition to major global promotions early in their careers, Ruziboev accumulated a massive volume of professional experience prior to his UFC signing. By mid-2023, he had logged over 40 professional bouts, establishing himself as a battle-tested veteran with extensive ring time against diverse fighting styles.

What is Nursulton Ruziboev’s MMA Record and Fighting Style?

Nursulton Ruziboev holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 34 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no-contest. A defining characteristic of his career is his high finishing rate. Out of his 34 career victories, 32 have come by way of knockout, technical knockout, or submission, making him one of the most dangerous, finish-oriented fighters in his weight division.

Physically, Ruziboev stands 6 feet 5 inches tall (196 cm) and possesses a 76-inch reach. This tall, rangy build gives him a substantial height advantage over most competitors in both the middleweight (185 lbs) and welterweight (170 lbs) divisions. His striking style revolves around keeping opponents at long range using straight punches and front kicks, while utilizing devastating knees in the clinch. On the ground, Ruziboev is an active submission specialist who frequently uses his long limbs to lock in armbars, triangle chokes, and guillotines.

How Did Nursulton Ruziboev Perform in His UFC Debut?

Nursulton Ruziboev made his UFC debut at UFC on ESPN 48 on July 1, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stepping in as a replacement on short notice, he was matched against undefeated Brazilian prospect Brunno Ferreira. Despite entering the octagon as a betting underdog against a fighter with a 10-0 record, Ruziboev delivered a standout performance.

Just 1 minute and 17 seconds into the first round, Ruziboev caught a body kick attempt from Ferreira and countered with a straight right hand that sent Ferreira to the canvas. Ruziboev immediately followed up with ground strikes, forcing the referee to halt the bout. This knockout victory earned Ruziboev a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and established him as an exciting threat in the UFC middleweight division.

What Division Does Nursulton Ruziboev Fight In?

While Nursulton Ruziboev spent the majority of his career fighting at middleweight (185 pounds), he has demonstrated the ability to compete at welterweight (170 pounds). Following his second consecutive UFC victory—a first-round technical knockout over Sedriques Dumas in March 2024 at UFC on ESPN 54—Ruziboev decided to drop down in weight.

In May 2024, Ruziboev fought ranked contender Joaquin Buckley in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 56 in St. Louis, Missouri, competing at welterweight. Although he suffered a decision loss, his ability to make the 170-pound limit presents intriguing match-making opportunities for his future in the organization.

Nursulton Ruziboev Career Statistics Overview

The following table outlines key factual metrics and statistics regarding Nursulton Ruziboev’s combat sports career:

Why is Nursulton Ruziboev Important for Uzbek MMA?

Central Asia has emerged as a major talent hotspot in modern combat sports, and Nursulton Ruziboev represents a key figure in Uzbekistan’s growing presence within top-tier mixed martial arts. Alongside fellow Uzbek competitors like Mahmud Muradov and Saidokub Kakhramonov, Ruziboev has helped bring global attention to the region’s strong combat sports infrastructure, which relies heavily on background disciplines such as combat sambo, hand-to-hand combat, and freestyle wrestling.

By achieving high-profile stoppage victories in the UFC, Ruziboev serves as an inspiring figure for upcoming athletes in Central Asia, proving that fighters from local regional circuits can successfully transition to international championship organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nursulton Ruziboev's professional MMA record?

As of 2024, Nursulton Ruziboev holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 34 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no-contest. He has achieved 13 wins by knockout and 19 by submission, giving him a finish rate over 90%.

How tall is Nursulton Ruziboev and what weight class does he fight in?

Nursulton Ruziboev stands 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) tall with a 76-inch reach. He competes in both the UFC middleweight division (185 lbs) and welterweight division (170 lbs).

Where is Nursulton Ruziboev from?

Nursulton Ruziboev is from Uzbekistan. He was born on November 19, 1993, in Shahrixon, located in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan, and represents Uzbek martial arts internationally.

When was Nursulton Ruziboev's UFC debut?

Nursulton Ruziboev made his UFC debut on July 1, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 48. He defeated the previously undefeated Brunno Ferreira by knockout in 1 minute and 17 seconds of the first round.