Just days before UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev‘s close friend and training partner, Baysangur Susurkaev, surprised UFC president Dana White by securing a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). Chimaev, who is preparing for his middleweight title fight against Dricus du Plessis, received the news during fight week at the Apex, adding excitement to an already significant event for the UFC middleweight division.
Baysangur Susurkaev’s Decisive Body Shot Earns UFC Contract
On the first episode of Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Baysangur Susurkaev took a fight against Murtaza Talha on just seven days’ notice and delivered a remarkable performance. Both fighters had previously experienced disappointing outings, especially Talha, who was seeking redemption after a knockout loss last year. The matchmakers and Dana White wanted a thrilling finish, and Susurkaev provided just that with one of the most brutal endings in the show‘s history.
After an evenly contested start, Susurkaev landed a powerful body strike that forced Talha to scream in pain and led to a swift conclusion. This dramatic finish secured Susurkaev’s spot on the UFC roster and marked a pivotal moment in his career.
Susurkaev was called up following the withdrawal of Damian Pinas due to injury. Now 24 years old, Susurkaev holds an undefeated professional record of 9-0-0 with eight wins by knockout. His combat experience includes stints in ACA Young Eagles, Fury FC, and BORROKA. Originally a wrestler, Susurkaev has rapidly grown his striking skills while preparing for competition in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Size Advantage Stirs Buzz in Pre-Fight Meetup
Before UFC 319, a faceoff between Khamzat Chimaev and middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis caught fans’ attention on social media due to the noticeable size difference. Many viewers observed that Chimaev appeared significantly larger, prompting speculation about how that size disparity could affect the champion’s chances on fight night.
Chimaev’s physical condition had come under scrutiny because of his past struggles with weight cuts and long breaks from fighting. However, he seemed healthy upon arriving in Chicago, passing early assessments and alleviating some of those concerns.
Chimaev earned his title shot after submitting Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last year. Following this success, he transitioned full-time to the middleweight class after a difficult cut to welterweight at UFC 279. Despite the challenges of that cut, Chimaev has expressed intentions to return to welterweight after UFC 319 to pursue the distinction of becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Impact and Future Outlook for Chimaev and Susurkaev
Baysangur Susurkaev’s rapid rise exemplifies how opportunity and preparation can combine to change a fighter’s career trajectory overnight. His victory ahead of UFC 319 not only adds depth to the UFC middleweight division but also reflects the strength of Khamzat Chimaev’s training camp. For Chimaev, the upcoming title fight represents the culmination of years of anticipation and determination, and his health and preparation could be pivotal on fight night.
If successful, Chimaev’s potential to reclaim the welterweight title afterward would position him among the elite multi-division champions in UFC history. Meanwhile, Susurkaev’s arrival brings a new, powerful presence to the UFC middleweight ranks, setting the stage for fresh matchups and heightened competition.
“Chimaev looked ‘massive’ to fans compared to the reigning titleholder Du Plessis, which some believe could spell doom for the champ on fight night.” —Source commentary
“Susurkaev, who entered the Talha fight on seven days’ notice, overcame the odds to earn one of the most brutal finishes in the show’s history.” —Source analysis