Almabayev submits Johnson with only the fourth Suloev stretch in UFC history

Asu Almabayev delivered one of the rarest finishes in UFC history at UFC Baku on Saturday, submitting Charles Johnson with a Suloev stretch at 3:33 of Round 3 — only the fourth time the submission has ever been recorded in the promotion.

Almabayev was dominant throughout, controlling the first two rounds before sealing the finish in the third. The Suloev stretch — a prone leg lock that forces a tap through simultaneous hip and knee pressure — is among the most seldom-seen submissions in professional MMA, and Almabayev’s execution of it was clinical.

The victory improved Almabayev’s UFC record to 7-1 and extended his winning streak to three fights. His only promotional loss came against Manel Kape in the main event of UFC Vegas 105 in March 2025. Prior to Saturday’s performance, the 32-year-old had submitted Alex Perez at UFC Qatar in November, but this was widely regarded as his best showing since joining the roster.

For Johnson, the defeat continues a frustrating pattern. The American has now alternated wins and losses across his last six outings, leaving him unable to build any sustained momentum in the flyweight division. Johnson carries the notable distinction of being the last fighter to defeat current flyweight champion Joshua Van, which makes his inability to string results together all the more striking.

Almabayev’s place in UFC history is now secured in a very specific way — his name sits alongside just three others who have ever forced a tap with the Suloev stretch inside the octagon.