This past Tuesday, Baisangur Susurkaev earned himself a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. On Saturday at UFC 319, he makes his promotional debut against Eric Nolan at UFC 319.
The turnaround sets a new bar for making the jump from DWCS to the UFC proper, one that is not likely to be beaten any time soon (if ever, unless the UFC opts to host a show on a Friday). If Susurkaev comes out with a win, and keeping in mind he took his Contender Series fight on just four days’ notice, it should put him on the fast track, similar to how Joe Pyfer kicked off his own UFC run.
Susurkaev opened the fight with steady pressure, blasting body kicks and mixing up looks with feints, punches, and kicks. He cracked Nolan with a heavy right hand before closing the distance into the clinch. Nolan briefly reversed position, but Susurkaev circled out, only to eat a stiff jab and counter on the break.
Midway through the round, Susurkaev scored a clean takedown, forcing Nolan to his knees where he absorbed some ground strikes before scrambling back up. Susurkaev hit a mat return, but Nolan again bounced to his feet and created separation. Nolan missed on a spinning backfist but made it clear he wasn’t going quietly. Moments later, he ate a sharp head kick yet stunned Susurkaev with an overhand that left him badly wobbled. The horn sounded before Nolan could capitalize, likely saving Susurkaev from a finish.
In round two, Susurkaev reestablished control with a stabbing teep and a pair of vicious leg kicks that visibly compromised Nolan. A scramble left Nolan on his back, and Susurkaev swiftly took the back with both hooks in. From there, he rained down ground-and-pound before locking up a palm-to-palm rear-naked choke, forcing the tap.
Official Result: Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:01
