Nursulton Ruziboev returns at UFC Seattle with vicious KO over last-minute underdog
02/22/2025 07:02 PM
Nursulton Ruziboev returned to the octagon for the first time in almost a year on Saturday night with an impressive second round KO.
The Uzbek fan favorite who has garnered over 1.6million followers on Instagram alone lost a decision to Joaquin Buckley in his last outing as he made the move down to welterweight. But at 6’5, he seems more appropriate for middleweight, and showed it at UFC Seattle on Saturday night.
Ruziboev was known for his submission game before arriving in the UFC in the summer of 2023. But aside from that one defeat, he has landed three knockouts thus far in his octagon tenure after scoring yet another one tonight.
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Nursulton Ruziboev KOs Eric McConico in UFC Seattle showdown
Following a lengthy absence from the octagon after losing his first UFC fight, Nursulton Ruziboev’s return to action came on relatively short notice at UFC Seattle. He had been experimenting with a move down to welterweight, but returned up to 185lb for this outing.
The Uzbek star towers over almost everyone in the division at an impressive 6’5, and was able to be physically dominant in the opening round against UFC newcomer Eric McConico. He pushed for a finish early, but was unable to land the big shot necessary.
However, that all changed in round two as he almost instantly had his rival floored with a powerful overhand. This was followed by a number of unanswered strikes before another knockdown, which saw referee Keith Peterson to step in and call a halt to the contest.
In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, he seemed to indicate that his days at 170lb are not finished. He explained that he would be willing to accept whoever the UFC offers at either weight.
Eric McConico accepted Nursulton Ruziboev fight on days’ notice
The fight was added to UFC Seattle on relatively short notice as both men were called upon to help fill up a card ravaged by cancellations. Dominick Cruz was forced out of not just the event but competition in general as he suffered another injury, while other bouts were moved around and cancelled.
McConico was luckily already in camp for a fight on Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas on a Tuff-N-Uff, when he was called by management and told he had got the UFC call. "I wasn’t frustrated," McConico told the official UFC website.
"There’s a time and a place and it just wasn’t my time. I just kept showing up, and that’s what my mindset has been for these past couple of years. Just keep doing the work and keep showing up and keep performing."
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