Baisangur Susurkaev entered UFC 322 with enormous expectations, a growing reputation and the pressure of being one of the card’s most hyped prospects. By the time he walked out of Madison Square Garden, he had delivered a knockout that instantly joined the shortlist for knockout of the year.
A Slow Start For The Rising Star
Susurkaev arrived in New York as a heavy betting favorite. His performance on Dana White’s Contender Series and a short notice win at UFC 319 had already established him as someone with serious potential in the middleweight division. Eric McConico, by comparison, came in with far less attention but with the kind of forward pressure that could disrupt anyone’s rhythm.
The opening round reflected that. McConico pushed the pace, tied Susurkaev up in the clinch and even stole a round on one of the judges’ scorecards. Susurkaev found a few takedowns but looked flat, almost as if he was waiting for the switch in his head to flip. McConico’s confidence grew with every exchange.
Even inside a packed arena, there was a sense that the undefeated contender needed something big to avoid a tense decision.
Momentum Shifts In Round Two
The second round changed the tone. Susurkaev loosened up, smiled during exchanges and began to settle into his rhythm. His striking output climbed and his accuracy improved. McConico kept coming forward, but Susurkaev had finally started to read his timing and footwork.
Still, nothing was guaranteed. Heading into the final round, it was realistic to wonder whether Susurkaev was up on the scorecards. McConico had done enough to stay competitive, and Susurkaev needed a moment that removed all doubt.
He delivered exactly that.
The One Punch That Ended Everything
A minute and thirty eight seconds into the third round, Susurkaev stepped back, planted his feet and launched a right hand that connected flush. McConico went stiff for a split second before falling face first onto the canvas.
Susurkaev did not even follow up. He knew the fight was over. The walk off finish left the referee with no choice but to wave the bout off immediately.
A Perfect Ending To A Breakout Year
The knockout capped off a remarkable 2025 for the 24 year old. In August, Susurkaev earned his UFC contract on the Contender Series. Four days later, he stepped in at UFC 319 on short notice and still walked away with a stoppage victory. UFC 322 marked just his second appearance inside the Octagon, and he now improves to 11 wins with no losses and two UFC finishes.
He continues to live up to the hype as one of the strongest prospects associated with Khamzat Chimaev’s team, and his ability to remain composed under pressure hints at a fighter with potential far beyond the early prelims.
McConico Pushes But Falls Short
McConico deserves credit for his performance. He applied nonstop pressure, stayed competitive and even managed to take the opening round on one judge’s card. But the knockout hands him the second loss of his last three fights, bringing his record to 10 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw.
For a moment, it looked like he might pull off the upset. One mistake changed everything.
A Post Fight Callout With Intent
After the knockout, Susurkaev stood with Joe Rogan for his post fight interview and wasted no time naming the opponent he wants next.
He called out Bo Nickal.
Nickal, who competes on the same UFC 322 card in the feature prelim, is a credentialed wrestler and one of the most discussed prospects in the division. A matchup between the two would instantly become a high stakes battle between rising stars. Nickal is returning tonight against Rodolfo Vieira and is hoping to rebound from the first loss of his professional career.
What Comes Next For Baisangur Susurkaev
With his record now at 11 wins and no losses, Baisangur Susurkaev has positioned himself as one of the fastest rising fighters in the middleweight division. His calm under pressure, combined with knockout power that can end fights instantly, makes him a compelling figure for matchmakers.
Whether the UFC agrees to his request for a fight with Bo Nickal remains to be seen, but the callout added another layer to his growing momentum.
Madison Square Garden has produced many memorable finishes over the years. Baisangur Susurkaev may have just added another one to that list.
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