UFC Baku Highlights! Nursulton Ruziboev Returns From Layoff With Violent Submission Win

Nursulton Ruziboev made a big return to the Octagon earlier today earlier today (Sat., June 27, 2026) at UFC Baku LIVE on Paramount+ from inside National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the middleweight fighter put a violent stop to Andrey Pulyaev with a first-round submission (rear-naked choke).

Ruziboev, who was making his first Octagon appearance since May 2025, came into Saturday’s “Prelims” tilt a betting favorite. Despite the long layoff, Ruziboev entered UFC Baku with a 4-1 UFC record with three finishes. He was the one who was expected to push the pace and force Pulyaev into uncomfortable positions.

Unfortunately for Pulyaev, he was on the defensive from the opening bell. After a brief standup period, Ruziboev changed levels and scored a slick takedown to gain back control. Pulyaev isn’t known for his grappling skills and it showed. Ruziboev was able to act quickly and eventually locked up a rear-naked choke. Pulyaev refused to tap so Ruziboev gladly put him to sleep. It was pretty nasty.

Check out the video highlights below:

Ruziboev, 32, is now 5-1 as a member of the UFC roster. His only Octagon loss came at the hands of Joaquin Buckley back in 2024. That’s not too shabby. “Black” should have another chance to capture one more win before the end of the year and then from there it’s an attack on the middleweight top 15

For more UFC Baku results, coverage, and highlights, click UFC Baku Highlights! Nursulton Ruziboev Returns.