Baisangur Susurkaev: From the Contender Series to Immediate UFC Success
The story of Baisangur Susurkaev is a tale of perseverance, talent, and a week that will be etched in UFC memory. After achieving a knockout in the “Dana White’s Contender Series” and securing a UFC contract, Susurkaev experienced a meteoric rise that propelled him to the top in record time. After his victory in the Contender Series, Susurkaev was preparing to celebrate, but his team reminded him of the possibility of a fight at UFC 319, just four days away. The urgency of the situation forced quick decisions, even in his choice of food. Finally, he was allowed to enjoy a steak, albeit with restrictions.Dave Martin, Gall’s partner, confirmed the news: Susurkaev would fight in Chicago. This announcement marked the beginning of an unprecedented week. On Tuesday, August 12, Susurkaev, a Chechen fighter who lived in Florida and had had few fights in recent years, became an idol. Four days later, he appeared in the octagon in front of a packed audience, achieving a submission victory in the second round. Dana White, CEO of the UFC, did not hesitate to express his enthusiasm: “I haven’t been so excited about a fighter in a long time.” Susurkaev’s career solidified as one of the most outstanding weeks in UFC history. But, how did he get to this point?“I told him he would probably order salmon,” commented Jamie Gall, Susurkaev’s manager. “If the UFC got him a fight, he would have to make weight on Friday. He looked so sad that I told the waiter: ‘Okay, serve him a steak, but no salt, no butter, not even oil. Just cooked meat’”.
Jamie Gall
A Path of Sacrifice and Determination
In 2023, Susurkaev made the decision to move to the United States from Chechnya, due to the economic difficulties arising from the war conflict in his country. His friend was key in encouraging him to pursue his dream. Along with his older brother, Tamerlan, also a former professional wrestler, they settled in Florida to train at Kill Cliff MMA. The beginnings were tough, with economic difficulties that forced them to live in precarious conditions. Despite these adversities, Susurkaev’s talent shone from the start. He shared training sessions with figures like Kamaru Usman and Robbie Lawler, but the lack of fight opportunities represented an obstacle. Susurkaev’s representation agency, MAG Agency, struggled to find him fights. He was close to abandoning his dream, but finally, the UFC offered him the opportunity to participate in the “Dana White’s Contender Series”, a crucial moment. On August 5th, the UFC informed him of the possibility of replacing an injured fighter. Susurkaev, who had been training with Khamzat Chimaev, was in optimal condition. This event marked the beginning of a historic week.The Week of Consecration
On Tuesday, August 12, Susurkaev achieved a spectacular knockout with a front kick in the first round. Dana White immediately awarded him a contract. Susurkaev, confident, was already envisioning his UFC debut at the same event as Chimaev. The wrestler refused to sign a document that would prevent him from fighting in Chicago, but finally, the situation was resolved and he was able to make his dream come true. The connection with Chimaev was fundamental, as they both shared training and friendship. On Wednesday, August 13, Susurkaev met with Chimaev at the UFC hotel in Chicago, where both fighters became the center of attention. Chimaev, in a gesture of support, invited Susurkaev to buy new clothes for the press conference, providing him with a new image.
