It wasn’t the greatest of outings, but Baisangur Susurkaev was able to score a knockout in his second UFC appearance, defeating Eric McConico during the UFC 322 prelims.
The two spent most of the first two rounds battling in the clinch, with McConico’s early pressure and elbows giving him the edge in the opening frame. Susurkaev battled back in the second round, working his strikes more and connecting on McConico. The crowd, however, seemed less than enthused with the grapple-heavy offense from Susurkaev.
Susurkaev seemed to find new footing in the third round. Midway through, he landed right hand that dropped McConico out cold for the victory.
Baisangur Susurkaev KOs Eric McConico At UFC 322
Beautiful shot by Susurkaev. Calm down with the next big thing talk, he has a long way to go
A lot of people are writing off Susurkaev just because he got rocked in his debut. Remember, he fought on a Tuesday that week and then fought again that Saturday. Also, he still won the fight. #UFC322
Susurkaev, close friend to UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in August. He received the opportunity to fight on four days’ notice, defeating Eric Nolan at UFC 319. Susurkaev received criticism for a lackluster performance in his UFC debut, however.
McConico has lost two of three since coming to the UFC from Tuff-N-Uff earlier this year.
Baisangur Susurkaev is already lined up for his sophomore UFC appearance.
Last month, Susurkaev achieved a record-fast turnaround in the UFC, scoring a first-round knockout over Murtaza Talha to secure his contract on Contender Series. Following his impressive win, the 24-year-old Russian appealed to UFC CEO Dana White to be added to the UFC 319 card on just four days’ notice alongside fellow countryman Khamzat Chimaev, and his request was approved.
Having stepped into his DWCS fight with only four days’ notice, “Hunter” was scheduled for his UFC debut with the same lightning-fast turnaround against fellow newcomer Eric Nolan. He lived up to the hype, securing a comeback submission victory in the second round.
Baisangur Susurkaev Set To Face Eric McConico At UFC 322
According to a recent report from MMA Fighting, Baisangur Susurkaev is scheduled to take on Eric McConico in a middleweight clash at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“Hunter” currently boasts a perfect 10-0 professional record, including eight knockouts and one submission victory.
Meanwhile, McConico UFC 322 following a split decision victory over Cody Brundage at UFC Vegas 109. The 35-year-old American made his Octagon debut in February at UFC Seattle, but suffered a setback when Nursulton Ruziboev stopped him via second-round knockout.
McConico holds a professional record of 10-3-1, with seven of his victories coming by stoppage.
UFC 322 will feature a championship double-header, with welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena making his first title defense against former lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. In the co-main event, former strawweight queen Zhang Weili moves up a division to challenge reigning bantamweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Baisangur Susurkaev envisions his path to UFC gold with the same pace he set this past week.
Susurkaev has enjoyed a whirlwind few days. On Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series, he scored a first-round knockout over Murtaza Talha to secure his UFC contract. Buoyed by his victory, “Hunter” approached UFC CEO Dana White to be added to the UFC 319 undercard alongside his countryman Khamzat Chimaev, and the promotion head honcho granted his wish.
After stepping into his DWCS bout on just four days’ notice, Susurkaev was booked for his UFC debut with the same short turnaround to face fellow newcomer Eric Nolan, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
The undefeated Russian weathered a late flurry from Nolan in the first round that nearly rocked him, but he stayed composed and maintained relentless pressure. In the second round, he secured a takedown and repeatedly dragged the fight back to the canvas.
Gradually working his way to Nolan’s back, he unleashed a series of punches to create an opening. With a perfectly locked-in rear-naked choke, Susurkaev forced “Night Time” to tap at 2:01.
After scoring back-to-back wins in just four days, “Hunter” is riding a wave of unstoppable confidence.
Image: @dwcs/Instagram
Baisangur Susurkaev Confident He Will Be UFC Middleweight Champion Within Two Years
During the UFC 319 post-fight press conference on Saturday, Baisangur Susurkaev recapped his incredible week and confirmed he intends to keep the momentum going, aiming for one, and possibly two, more fights before the year ends.
“I’m hoping for New York [in November],” Susurkaev said. “I really would like to fight in September, but I do feel like I have an injury in my foot, so I don’t know if I’ll be ready in time.”
“Hunter” firmly stated that while he isn’t in a hurry for his first UFC title shot, he expects to capture the middleweight championship within just two years.
“In two more years, I’m going to be champion. I don’t need it fast. One month, two months to get ready for the next fight, and I’m ready. I’m going to be champion.”
Baisangur Susurkaev boasts an unblemished professional record of 10-0, with nine of those victories coming via finishes within the second round.
