Nursulton Dilshodbek Ugli Ruziboev (born November 19, 1993) is an Uzbek professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[4]
Background
Ruziboev was born on November 19, 1993, in Shahrixon, in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan. He has two brothers and one sister.[5] His brother, Mashrabjon Ruziboev, is also a professional mixed martial artist.[6]
Starting at age 7-8, he began training in karate, and during his youth, he also trained combat sambo.[5] Ruziboev began training mixed martial arts at the age of 16.[3] In 2012, he left the country for Russia, where he worked to support his family. In 2013, he returned to Uzbekistan to participate in hand-to-hand combat tournaments. Ruziboev also earned a master's degree from Uzbekistan National University.[6]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
In 2014, Ruziboev began his professional career in Kazakhstan's Alash Pride organization.[5] He has fought under prominent organizations such as Brave Combat Federation, Absolute Championship Berkut, and Fight Nights Global.[7][8] Ruziboev is a former Middlewight Champion of the Open Fighting Championship and WEF Global.[9][10]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In 2023, Ruziboev signed a contract with the UFC and made his debut against Brunno Ferreira on July 1, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 48.[11] He won the bout via KO in the first round.[12] This win earned him the Performance of the Night.[13]
Ruziboev was scheduled to face Caio Borralho on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis.[14] However, Ruziboev withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by Abusupiyan Magomedov.[15]
Ruziboev faced Sedriques Dumas on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54. He won the bout via TKO in the first round.[16]
Ruziboev faced Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight bout on May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56.[17] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[18]
Ruziboev was scheduled to face Rinat Fakhretdinov on October 26, 2024, at UFC 308.[19] However, Ruziboev withdrew from the fight due to an injury and was replaced by former LFA Welterweight Champion and promotional newcomer Carlos Leal.[20][21]
Ruziboev faced promotional newcomer Eric McConico in a middleweight bout on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252.[22] He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.[23]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Brunno Ferreira[13]
- Asian Fighting Championship Akhmat
- AFCA Middleweight Tournament winner
- World Ertaymash Federation
- WEF Middleweight Championship (Three times)
- World Fighting Championship Akhmat
- WFCA Welterweight Championship (One time)
- Open Fighting Championship
- OFC Middleweight Championship
Mixed martial arts record
| 48 matches | 35 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 13 | 1 |
| By submission | 20 | 1 |
| By decision | 2 | 7 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No contests | 2 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 35–9–2 (2) | Eric McConico | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song | February 22, 2025 | 2 | 0:32 | Seattle, Washington, United States | |
| Loss | 34–9–2 (2) | Joaquin Buckley | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento | May 11, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Welterweight bout. |
| Win | 34–8–2 (2) | Sedriques Dumas | TKO (punches) | UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot | March 30, 2024 | 1 | 3:18 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 33–8–2 (2) | Brunno Ferreira | KO (punches) | UFC on ESPN: Strickland vs. Magomedov | July 1, 2023 | 1 | 1:17 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 32–8–2 (2) | Pavel Masalski | Submission (armbar) | WEF Global 17 | April 10, 2022 | 1 | 2:25 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Defended the WEF Global Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 31–8–2 (2) | Luciano Contini | Submission (kimura) | Octagon 27 & U1 | February 19, 2022 | 1 | 0:44 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 30–8–2 (2) | Eduard Arustamyan | TKO (punches) | Open FC 14 & Alash Pride 71 | December 12, 2021 | 1 | 1:51 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Defended the Open FC Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 29–8–2 (2) | Alexander Dolotenko | Submission (kimura) | Amir Temur FC 3 | September 25, 2021 | 1 | N/A | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 28–8–2 (2) | Alex de Paula | TKO (punches) | Open FC 10 | September 12, 2021 | 1 | 3:41 | Moscow, Russia | Won the vacant Open FC Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 27–8–2 (2) | Ibrahim Mané | KO (slam) | Brave CF 47 | March 11, 2021 | 1 | 3:12 | Arad, Bahrain | Catchweight (175 lb) bout. |
| Win | 26–8–2 (2) | Bogdan Kotlovyanov | Submission (choke) | Open FC 2 | February 20, 2021 | 1 | 1:03 | Samara, Russia | Return to Middleweight. |
| Win | 25–8–2 (2) | Maksym Soroka | Submission (kimura) | WFCA: Andijan Mayor Cup | January 10, 2021 | 1 | 0:35 | Andijan, Uzbekistan | Won the vacant WFCA Welterweight Championship. |
| Loss | 24–8–2 (2) | Boris Miroshnichenko | Decision (unanimous) | ProFC 66 | December 22, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Rostov-on-Don, Russia | Return to Welterweight. |
| Win | 24–7–2 (2) | Artem Shokalo | TKO (corner stoppage) | Gorilla Fighting 20 | November 23, 2019 | 2 | 2:00 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 23–7–2 (2) | Leonid Antonov | Submission | Professional Combat Turon 4 | September 22, 2019 | 1 | 2:04 | Yunusabad, Uzbekistan | Return to Middleweight. |
| NC | 22–7–2 (2) | Altynbek Arykbaev | NC (overturned by promoter) | WEF ProfFight 36 | August 17, 2019 | 1 | 5:00 | Kara-Suu, Kyrgyzstan | |
| Loss | 22–7–2 (1) | Murad Ramazanov | Decision (unanimous) | Gorets FC: For The Prizes of V. Zolotov | July 6, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Kaspiysk, Russia | |
| Loss | 22–6–2 (1) | Oleg Dadonov | Decision (unanimous) | Hooligan Fight Show: Battle for Tula 3 | December 21, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Tula, Russia | Return to Welterweight. |
| Win | 22–5–2 (1) | Marcos Yoshio de Souza | TKO (knee and punches) | WEF Global 14 | November 10, 2018 | 3 | 0:29 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Defended the WEF Global Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 21–5–2 (1) | Andrey Seledtsov | Submission (hammerlock) | Hooligan Fight Show: Battle for Tula 2 | September 28, 2018 | 2 | 1:14 | Tula, Russia | Middleweight bout. |
| Loss | 20–5–2 (1) | Kiamrian Abbasov | Decision (unanimous) | WFCA 50 | August 18, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Moscow, Russia | |
| Win | 20–4–2 (1) | Sultan Kiyalov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Alash Pride FC: Shymkent | April 14, 2018 | 2 | 1:58 | Şymkent, Kazakhstan | Catchweight (173.3 lb) bout; Ruziboev missed weight. |
| Win | 19–4–2 (1) | Erzhan Kenzhegulov | Submission (armbar) | Legion FC: Universal Battle 1 | February 8, 2018 | 1 | 3:15 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 18–4–2 (1) | Igor Bayer | TKO (punches) | WFCA 44 | December 17, 2017 | 1 | N/A | Grozny, Russia | Return to Welterweight. |
| Draw | 17–4–2 (1) | Erbolot Omurzakov | Draw (majority) | WEF Global 10 | November 22, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Retained the WEF Global Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 17–4–1 (1) | Amkhad Dzhanchuraev | KO (punches) | Ambitions FC: Ratiborets 11 | November 18, 2017 | 1 | 1:40 | Yekaterinburg, Russia | Welterweight bout. |
| Win | 16–4–1 (1) | Artem Kazbanov | KO (knee) | GIT Crimea 2017 | September 23, 2017 | 1 | 0:45 | Yalta, Ukraine | |
| Win | 15–4–1 (1) | Almanbet Nuraly | Submission (armbar) | WEF Global 9 | September 8, 2017 | 1 | 1:50 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Return to Middleweight. Won the vacant WEF Global Middleweight Championship. |
| NC | 14–4–1 (1) | Magomed Abdulvagabov | NC (overturned) | Fight Nights Global 73 | September 4, 2017 | 1 | 4:12 | Kaspiysk, Russia | Originally a submission (armbar) win for Ruziboev; overturned by promoter due to premature stoppage. |
| Loss | 14–4–1 | Dzhokhar Duraev | Decision (unanimous) | ACB 68 | August 26, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Dushanbe, Tajikistan | Return to Welterweight. |
| Draw | 14–3–1 | Eler Narmurzaev | Draw (unanimous) | Legion FC: Universal Battle Among Professional | July 30, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 14–3 | Aylchi Sultanali | Submission (rear-naked choke) | WEF Selection 11 | July 2, 2017 | 1 | 1:20 | Moscow, Russia | Catchweight (176 lb) bout. |
| Win | 13–3 | Ramazan Gimbatov | Submission (armbar) | AFCA & Fight Club 777: Fight Show 777 | May 20, 2017 | 1 | 1:21 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Won the AFCA Middleweight Tournament. |
| Win | 12–3 | Arman Alimov | Decision (unanimous) | 2 | 5:00 | AFCA Middleweight Tournament Semifinal. | |||
| Win | 11–3 | Artem Reznikov | TKO (knee and punches) | 1 | 1:23 | AFCA Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal. | |||
| Win | 10–3 | Suyarbek Saifov | KO (punches) | Tajikistan FC Danghara 2016: Battle for the Title of Ismoil Somoni 5 | November 27, 2016 | 1 | 3:14 | Danghara, Tajikistan | |
| Loss | 9–3 | Daniyar Abdibaev | Submission (kimura) | WEF Global 6 | October 22, 2016 | 2 | 4:41 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | |
| Win | 9–2 | Vladimir Katykhin | Decision (unanimous) | N-1 Pro Nomad MMA: Asian Fighter Tournament 2016 | October 2, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Karaganda, Kazakhstan | Middleweight debut. |
| Win | 8–2 | Orzubek Seytimbetov | Submission (guillotine choke) | AFCA 2 | December 24, 2015 | 1 | 2:01 | Samarkand, Uzbekistan | |
| Loss | 7–2 | Anvar Chergesov | Decision (unanimous) | Seven Fight Promotion: Seven Fight 2015 | June 19, 2015 | 2 | 5:00 | Ivanovo, Russia | |
| Win | 7–1 | Islam Yashaev | Submission (rear-naked choke) | ACB 17 | May 2, 2015 | 2 | 3:15 | Grozny, Russia | |
| Win | 6–1 | Rakhmanberdi Tologon | Submission (rear-naked choke) | WEF Global 2 | March 15, 2015 | 1 | 1:56 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Lightweight bout. |
| Win | 5–1 | Elshon Muhtarov | Submission (kimura) | Alash Pride: Royal Plaza Volume 2 | January 24, 2015 | 1 | 0:31 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 4–1 | Shahvalat Yusubov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | R-1: 2015 Heavyweight Grand Prix | January 23, 2015 | 1 | 3:59 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| Win | 3–1 | Aziz Ibragimov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Alash Pride: Selection 6 | December 25, 2014 | 1 | 0:38 | Kaskelen, Kazakhstan | Lightweight bout. |
| Loss | 2–1 | Daniyar Babakulov | TKO (punches) | Alash Pride: Royal Plaza Volume 1 | December 13, 2014 | 2 | 0:32 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 2–0 | Kiamrian Abbasov | Submission (guillotine choke) | Alash Pride: Selection 5 | October 26, 2014 | 2 | 1:10 | Kaskelen, Kazakhstan | Welterweight debut. |
| Win | 1–0 | Shamil Rafikov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Alash Pride: Selection 4 | August 16, 2014 | 2 | 1:53 | Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan | Lightweight debut. |
Professional boxing record
| 2 fights | 2 wins | 0 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Azamat Ergashev | UD | 4 | May 5, 2022 | Sport Palace Yunusabad, Tashkent, Uzbekistan | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Bakhrom Payazov | KO | 2 (6) 0:54 | Mar 14, 2022 | Sport Palace Yunusabad, Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
See also
References
- ^ a b "BoxRec: Nursulton Ruziboev". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2024-04-27.
- ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
- ^ a b "Nursulton Ruziboev | UFC". www.ufc.com. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
- ^ "Nursulton Ruziboev | UFC". www.ufc.com. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
- ^ a b c "Intervyu. O'zbek MMAchisi Nursulton Ro'ziboev qayta ko'rilgan natija, promoushenlar va boshqalar haqida". Olamsport.com (in Uzbek). Retrieved 2022-07-19.
- ^ a b Nambiar, Abhishek (2024-03-25). "5 Things You Might Not Know about Nursulton Ruziboev". Sherdog. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ "Нурсултан Рузибоев: биография, турниры, инстаграм". Legalstavka | Legalbets (in Russian). 2019-09-12. Retrieved 2022-07-19.
- ^ Алла Князева. "Редчайший финиш слэмом. Боец эффектно спасся от удушающего. Видео". Championat.com (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2021-08-27. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
- ^ "Боец WEF из Узбекистана Нурсултан Рузибоев и Дастан Шаршеев сойдутся в поединке из-за скандального видео". Barometr.kg (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-07-19.
- ^ "Узбекистанец Нурсултан Рузибоев завоевал пояс чемпиона OFC в среднем весе - видео". Repost (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2021-12-28. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
- ^ Hannoun, Farah (2023-06-30). "Nursulton Ruziboev out to show he's worthy of UFC on ESPN 47 main card spot: 'People will know me'". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2023-06-30.
- ^ Martin, Damon (2023-07-01). "UFC Vegas 76 video: Nursulton Ruziboev demolishes Brunno Ferreira with devastating first-round knockout". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
- ^ a b "Nursulton Ruziboev Reacts To Earning POTN Bonus At UFC Vegas 76". Cageside Press. 2023-07-01. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ Harvey Leonard (2023-07-23). "UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/17-7/23): Caio Borralho & 'Blood Diamond' have returns announced, six cancellations". mmanews.com. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- ^ Staff (2023-10-08). "Abus Magomedov steps in to face Caio Borralho at UFC Sao Paulo". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- ^ Wells, Matthew (2024-03-30). "UFC on ESPN 54 video: Nursulton Ruziboev pounds out Sedriques Dumas, but not without controversy". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
- ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (2024-04-24). "Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev announced for UFC St. Louis co-headliner". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2024-05-12). "UFC St. Louis: Joaquin Buckley Shows Off Complete Game Against Nursulton Ruziboev". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
- ^ Drake Riggs (2024-07-24). "Morning Report: Kamaru Usman targets winner of UFC 304 main event: 'I still got tread left in these tires' - Fight Announcements". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
- ^ Mike Heck (2024-10-20). "UFC 308: Newcomer saves welterweight clash on Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight card". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ Brian Mazique (2024-10-21). "2 Changes To Massive UFC 308 Card Have Made The Event Even Better". forbes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ Jay Pettry (2024-12-13). "UFC Seattle Lineup Shifts Due to Injury, New Added Matches". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Shawn Bitter (2025-02-22). "UFC Seattle: Newcomer Eric McConico Finished by Nursulton Ruziboev". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2025-02-22.
- ^ "Nursulton Ruziboev". Sherdog.