UFC 319: Baisangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan

At UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Baisangur Susurkaev made his UFC debut against Eric Nolan at the United Center in Chicago. Just four days after securing a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Susurkaev stepped into the Octagon, demonstrating both readiness and confidence. Fans were eager to see if he could translate his rapid rise into a successful first UFC outing against a tested opponent.

The opening round was competitive and fast-paced, with Susurkaev starting aggressively. He landed a solid right hand that briefly stunned Nolan, but Nolan answered with a spinning backfist that wobbled Susurkaev and showcased the unpredictable striking exchanges both fighters brought to the fight. Despite the scare, Susurkaev remained composed, using his experience to navigate the round and look for openings.

In the second round, Susurkaev took full control. He began by using precise teep and leg kicks to limit Nolan’s mobility, gradually setting up opportunities for a grappling attack. During a scramble on the ground, Susurkaev secured Nolan’s back and quickly locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Nolan to tap out at 2:01. The win highlighted his ability to combine striking and grappling seamlessly, proving he was prepared for the UFC stage.

This victory marked Susurkaev’s second win in just four days, emphasizing his exceptional conditioning and adaptability. His performance impressed both fans and analysts, demonstrating that he could compete at a high level even with minimal turnaround time after Dana White’s Contender Series. It solidified his position as a rising prospect in the middleweight division with a versatile skill set.

For Eric Nolan, the loss underscored the difficulty of facing a quickly ascending fighter like Susurkaev. Despite being defeated, Nolan displayed heart and determination throughout the bout, showing resilience in both striking and grappling exchanges. The experience provides valuable lessons for Nolan, highlighting areas to improve as he continues his journey in the UFC middleweight division.