Asu Almabayev pulled off one of the rarest submission finishes in mixed martial arts (MMA) earlier today (Sat., June 27, 2026) at UFC Baku LIVE on Paramount+ from inside National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, stopping flyweight veteran Charles Johnson with a third-round Suloev stretch.
It is just the fourth time that a UFC fight has ended by way of Suloev stretch (the other three being Kenny Robertson in 2013, Aljamain Sterling in 2018, and Zabit Magomedsharipov also on the same 2018 card).
While this fight will be remembered for the finish, Almabayev delivered a full performance across all three rounds. The flyweight contender was on his bicycle from the opening bell, pushing the pace on the feet while mixing in his controlling grappling. Johnson, who is one of the toughest fighters to finish at 125 pounds, didn’t have much to offer in response.
In Round 3, Almabayev was able to utilize his grappling again and grabbed a hold of Johnson’s leg. From there, Almabayev moved into position and began to threaten with a Suloev stretch. Johnson tried defending for a few moments, but once Almabayev fully stretched his leg over his own shoulder Johnson had nothing left to do but tap. It was painful to watch.
Check out the video highlights below:
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