5 Things You Might Not Know about Nursulton Ruziboev

Sliding-door moments are a recurring motif across all sports, but their resonance is amplified by the volatile nature of combat sports. That dynamic took center stage at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas when Nursulton Ruziboev’s symbolic stride through the Octagon door marked a crucial turning point for his career. A 44-fight veteran before making his promotional debut at just 30 years of age, “Black” boasts a blend of experience and untapped potential. It took Ruziboev just over a minute to dispatch fellow prospect Brunno Ferreira, scoring a knockout victory and announcing his arrival on the grand stage of the UFC. Now on a nine-fight undefeated streak, he will take on Sedriques Dumas in his next assignment at UFC on ESPN 54 on March 30 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Ahead of the clash, let’s take a look at five things you might not about Ruziboev.

Roots of a Warrior

Ruziboev was born on Nov. 19, 1993, amidst the serene landscapes of the Andijan region in Shahrihan city. Among his siblings, he seemingly shares a solid bond with his brother Mashrabjon Ruziboev, who is also a professional MMA fighter.

A Fighter’s Odyssey

His path to combat sports glory began at the tender age of 11 when he ventured into karate. In 2012, at the age of 19, he took the decision to leave his homeland and seek opportunities in Russia to support his family. The subsequent year, Ruziboev returned to Uzbekistan to participate in hand-to-hand combat. Following that, he would make his professional MMA debut in 2014, and the drive for competition would lead him to compete under prominent organizations like organizations like Gorilla Fighting Championships, WEF Global, Brace FC, Octagon Promotions, Open Fighting Championship and Alash Pride.

Influenced by “The Greatest”

Boxing legend and cultural icon Muhammad Ali’s legacy continues to echo through the corridors of sporting lore. To this day, his laurels both within the squared circle and beyond ignite the aspirations of countless athletes. Ruziboev, like many othes, claimed in an interview with the UFC that he looks up to Ali as a hero.

Exploring Academic Avenues

“Black” embarked on a journey of academic excellence and personal growth, earning a master’s degree in economics from Uzbekistan National University.

Boxing Venture

Ruziboev’s decision to venture into professional boxing in 2022 bore fruit as he clinched victory in his debut bout against Bakhrom Payazov via TKO. The event unfolded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the Sport Palace Yunusabad.