Asu Almabayev defeated Charles "Inner G" Johnson via a rare Suloev stretch submission on June 27, 2026 [1].
The victory is significant because the Suloev stretch is an uncommon technique in professional mixed martial arts, marking a high-skill finish in the flyweight division [3].
The bout took place at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan [2]. Almabayev secured the win during the UFC Baku event, capping off a performance that analysts described as stellar [1]. The Suloev stretch is known for being particularly painful and difficult to execute in a live fight [2].
Following the submission, Almabayev participated in an Octagon interview to discuss the finish [4]. The flyweight fighter used the platform to address his performance and the technicality of the submission used to stop the fight [1].
Charles Johnson was unable to escape the hold, leading to the rare submission victory for Almabayev [3]. The event brought the UFC to Azerbaijan, utilizing the National Gymnastics Arena as the host venue for the card [2].
Almabayev's ability to implement such a specialized maneuver demonstrates a high level of grappling proficiency. This win positions the flyweight fighter as a dangerous tactician within the division, as few fighters possess the versatility to execute the Suloev stretch under pressure [1].
“Asu Almabayev defeated Charles "Inner G" Johnson via a rare Suloev stretch submission.”
Almabayev's use of the Suloev stretch, a submission that requires precise leverage and timing, signals a shift in the technical landscape of the flyweight division. By successfully executing a move rarely seen in the Octagon, Almabayev creates a psychological advantage and a tactical unpredictability that forces future opponents to adjust their defensive grappling strategies.
