Asu Almabayev delivered one of the most unusual finishes of the year at UFC Baku, defeating Charles Johnson with a rare Suloev Stretch submission in the third round. After controlling much of the fight with his grappling and pressure, Almabayev locked in the painful technique, forcing Johnson to tap out at the 3:33 mark. The victory marked only the fourth Suloev Stretch submission ever recorded in UFC history.
Throughout the contest, Almabayev dictated the pace by combining effective wrestling with well-timed striking, leaving Johnson with few opportunities to build momentum. His dominant performance showcased both his technical skills and his ability to control every phase of the fight.
The win improved Almabayev’s UFC record to 7-1 and extended his current winning streak to three fights, further strengthening his position among the flyweight division’s rising contenders. It also served as an impressive rebound after his setback against Manel Kape last year.
Following the spectacular finish, fans and analysts praised Almabayev for executing one of the sport’s rarest submissions on one of the division’s toughest competitors. Many believe the performance could move him significantly closer to a matchup with a top-ranked opponent.
