Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos via rear-naked choke submission on Saturday, May 9, 2026 [1].
The victory is significant as it allows Susurkaev to preserve his undefeated record in the middleweight division and strengthens his position as a top contender.
The bout took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and was broadcast on Paramount+ [1]. Susurkaev secured the win in the third round [2] after locking in a choke that left his opponent unconscious.
Susurkaev entered the contest with a reputation for finishing fights, and this performance reinforces his standing within the UFC middleweight rankings. The fight remained competitive through the early stages, but Susurkaev's grappling superiority became the deciding factor late in the match.
By securing a stoppage in the third round [2], Susurkaev demonstrated both the endurance and the technical skill required to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. The result ensures he remains a focal point for future matchmaking as the promotion looks to identify the next challenger for the division title.
Santos attempted to weather the storm throughout the fight, but he was unable to escape the submission attempt once Susurkaev transitioned to the back. The victory marks another successful outing for the undefeated fighter on a major stage in the U.S.
“Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos via rear-naked choke submission”
Susurkaev's ability to maintain an undefeated streak while securing a finish against a professional opponent like Santos increases his leverage in contract negotiations and moves him closer to a title shot. In the middleweight division, consistency and the ability to finish fights are the primary metrics the UFC uses to determine rankings and championship opportunities.
