MMA Match Preview: Bryan Battle (12-2) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (36-9-2)

Fight Details

Attribute	Info
Event	UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Matchup	Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
Division	Middleweight (185 lbs)
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast	ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass
Bout Placement	Preliminary Card (Fight 3 of 13)

Fighter Breakdown

Bryan “The Butcher” Battle

Record: 12–2 (7–1 UFC)

Age: 30

Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 77″

Style: Well-rounded with finishing instincts

Key Traits:

Former TUF winner returning to middleweight

5 of 7 UFC wins via finish

Confident in his ability to be the first to finish Ruziboev in the UFC

Nursulton “Black” Ruziboev

Record: 36–9–2 (4–1 UFC)

Age: 31

Height/Reach: 6’5″ / 76″

Style: Aggressive striker with finishing power

Key Traits:

3 finishes in 4 UFC wins

Strong clinch and ground-and-pound

Durable and dangerous in early rounds

Tactical Preview

Battle’s Path to Victory:

Use footwork and range to avoid early power shots

Mix striking with takedown threats to keep Ruziboev guessing

Push pace in later rounds to exploit cardio edge

Ruziboev’s Path to Victory:

Start fast and pressure Battle with power shots

Use reach and clinch control to neutralize movement

Hunt for early finish before Battle settles into rhythm

“I see opportunities to finish him. I’m gonna wipe the floor with him,” Battle said ahead of UFC 319.

Rankings & Implications

Fighter	Middleweight Rank (Global)
Bryan Battle	#29
Nursulton Ruziboev	#28

A win for either fighter could earn a top-20 opponent

Both are surging prospects looking to break into the contender tier