Temirov stops a former title contender, Guskov steps into the main event of the evening, while Ruziboev tests himself against one of the most unusual strikers in the UFC. Uzbekistan is represented by a small but noticeable group of fighters — each with their own path to the top.
The BET RATING editorial team compared their achievements and recent performances. Below is an authorial ranking with explanations for each position, current statistics, and a breakdown of techniques.
Verification date: .
Why there is a top three instead of a top 15
In the official UFC material dated July 21, 2026, three current representatives of Uzbekistan were named: Bogdan Guskov, Ramazan Temirov, and Nursultan Ruziboev. Verification of available sources by the date of article preparation did not provide grounds to expand this list to fifteen athletes.
Therefore, this ranking includes only these three fighters. Participants from other organizations and former UFC athletes cannot be automatically included in the current roster of the promotion. A fighter's fame, their origin, and having an archived UFC card are different matters.
Positions are assigned based on BET RATING's evaluation. We consider recent results, the level of opponents, achievements within the organization, and consistency of performances. This is not an official UFC ranking and does not predict head-to-head matches between athletes from different weight categories.
UFC Fighters from Uzbekistan: Records and Recent Results
The professional MMA record includes performances in all organizations. The UFC record only accounts for completed fights in this promotion. Format: wins–losses–draws; NC — no contest.
| Position | Fighter | Weight | MMA | UFC | Last Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramazan Temirov | Flyweight | 20–3 | 3–0 | Win against Steve Ertzeg, TKO, July 25, 2026 |
| 2 | Bogdan Guskov | Light Heavyweight | 18–4–1 | 4–2–1 | Loss to Magomed Ankalaev, TKO, July 25, 2026 |
| 3 | Nursultan Ruziboev | Middleweight | 37–10–2; 2 NC | 5–2 | Loss to Michael Page, decision, September 5, 2026 |
For Ruziboev, we use the UFC card statistics and separately account for the two NCs. Different publications may report varying total records. These should not be mixed with the confirmed results of the last seven fights in the UFC: five wins and two losses.
1. Ramazan Temirov — Best Result of the Last Performance
MMA Record: 20–3. UFC Record: 3–0. Category: Flyweight.
The top position is given to Temirov for the combination of his unbeaten streak within the UFC and the quality of his last victory. On July 25, 2026, he stopped Steve Ertzeg by technical knockout in the first round at the 4:21 mark. A win over a former title contender is a significant argument when comparing current form.
What Makes Temirov Dangerous
His fights are interesting to watch due to sharp closings and rapid hand combinations. Temirov tries to turn a successful entry into a prolonged attack, not allowing his opponent to comfortably regain distance. In this fighting style, not only the power of the strike is important but also the speed of transitioning from the first hit to the next.
The strength of this approach is the ability to quickly change the course of the match. The downside of active pressure is the need to maintain defense when closing in. Against opponents who work well in counter, preparation for entries and timing become especially crucial.
What to Consider in His Career
In 2025–2026, Temirov served a one-year suspension for violating the UFC's anti-doping policy. This began on July 5, 2025; his July 2026 appearance occurred after this period ended. It is incorrect to refer to him as an active suspended fighter as of the article's date.
Three wins in the UFC is a strong start, but it is still a relatively short distance. For further growth, it is important to replicate such performances against opponents with different styles.
UFC Profile · Interview after the win over Ertzeg · Official statement on suspension.
2. Bogdan Guskov — Finisher with Experience in Main UFC Events
MMA Record: 18–4–1. UFC Record: 4–2–1. Category: Light Heavyweight.
All 18 of Guskov's professional victories have ended early: 15 by knockout or technical knockout, three by submission. This is not a promise of another finish but an expressive characteristic of his career.
In the UFC, Bogdan has defeated Zak Pauga, Ryan Spann, Billy Elekan, and Nikita Krylov. In December 2025, he fought to a draw against Jan Blachowicz. He then received the main event fight against Magomed Ankalaev, becoming the first representative of Uzbekistan to headline a UFC card.
Fighting Style: Heavy Hands and Attack Development
Guskov is dangerous in exchanges at medium distance. When he manages to shake his opponent, he tries to quickly capitalize on that success. However, to view him solely as a boxer would be an oversimplification: his victory over Elekan by guillotine shows that the threat remains even when transitioning to grappling.
Encounters with strong all-rounders require more complex work from him: managing pace, defending against takedowns, and maintaining effectiveness at long distance. A heavy strike can resolve a specific episode but does not replace the entire fight plan.
Why He Is Second
On July 25, 2026, Guskov lost to Ankalaev by technical knockout in the fifth round at the 2:41 mark. The level of the opponent makes this result more understandable, but the loss is still factored into the ranking of current form.
In terms of the scale of challenges faced, Bogdan has grounds to contend for the top spot. In our version, Temirov's recent successful performance outweighs this, and Guskov remains second due to the quality of opposition and accumulated achievements.
3. Nursultan Ruziboev — Experience and Threat in Different Phases of the Fight
MMA Record: 37–10–2 and two NC. UFC Record: 5–2. Category: Middleweight.
Ruziboev came to the UFC with significant professional experience. He cannot be described solely as a tall striker: his arsenal includes grappling techniques and transitions that complicate preparation for his opponents.
On June 27, 2026, Nursulton defeated Andrei Pulyaev by rear-naked choke in the first round, at the 3:58 mark. His next performance ended differently: on September 5, he lost to Michael Page by unanimous decision.
How his technique works
Ruziboev can utilize his limb length in striking, and when closing the distance, he looks for opportunities to transition to grappling and submissions. For such a fighter, it is particularly important to link attacks: the threat of striking should aid grappling, and the anticipation of a takedown should create opportunities for striking.
Challenges arise when an opponent does not accept the proposed rhythm and constantly changes distance. The match against Page provides material for analyzing this very issue: how to reach a mobile opponent and turn individual successful moments into won rounds.
Why he is third
Five wins in seven outings in the UFC is a significant result. However, the recent loss limits his ranking position, where we assess not only overall experience but also recent performances. A new victory over a strong opponent is crucial for climbing the ranks, rather than just the number of fights in his history.
Who is stronger: a comparison without mixing weight classes
The three participants tackle similar challenges in different ways. Temirov seeks to quickly close the distance and impose an intense exchange. Guskov is dangerous with heavy strikes and continues his attack after landing a hit. Ruziboev presents several threats to his opponent, including submissions.
- Most successful recent outing: Temirov — a stoppage victory over Erceg.
- Experience in a main UFC fight: Guskov — a five-round match against Ankalaev.
- Most wins in the UFC among participants: Ruziboev — five.
The choice of leader depends on the criteria. If current results are prioritized, Temirov's arguments are particularly strong. If the scale of opposition is more important, Guskov could be rated higher. Therefore, the order of places is accompanied by explanations: readers may agree with them or propose their own version.
What will determine future prospects
Championship opportunities depend on the next opposition, activity, competitors' results, and the promotion's decisions. Neither a spectacular knockout nor a spot in a main event guarantees a quick title shot.
For Temirov, stability over a longer duration of performances is important. For Guskov, a comeback after a loss and working against versatile opponents is crucial. For Ruziboev, the ability to impose his fight on those who manage distance well is key. It is these changes that are more interesting to follow than loud promises of a future title.
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How would you rank them: Temirov, Guskov, or Ruziboev first? Share your ranking and main argument in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a top-15 list of current UFC fighters from Uzbekistan be compiled?
Based on the confirmed roster used in this article, no. Three athletes are presented. To create a list of fifteen, the topic would have to be expanded to other MMA organizations, and each fighter's affiliation would need to be specified.
Who is in first place at BET RATING?
Ramazan Temirov. The decisive argument is three wins in the UFC without losses, including a stoppage victory over Steve Erceg. This is an editorial assessment.
Why is Mahmoud Muradov not on the list?
His contribution to the history of Uzbek MMA deserves a separate article. However, OKTAGON represents Muradov as their athlete and a former UFC fighter, so we do not include him in the current UFC roster.
Why do MMA and UFC records differ?
The former encompasses the entire professional career, while the latter only includes performances in the UFC. For example, Temirov's record of 20–3 refers to MMA overall, while 3–0 refers to the UFC.
Does this ranking predict the outcomes of future fights?
No. It describes achievements and form as of the date of preparation. A specific bout requires a separate analysis of the opponents.
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