Zhalgasbek Zhumagulova achieved the first knockout victory of his career at an ACA event. His eldest son attended the fight, and former UFC fighter Sergey Morozov was also present. The video interview following the victory covered topics including a potential UFC return, issues in modern MMA promotion, and challenges facing young fighters. Zhumagulova discussed multiple career-related topics in what was described as a heartfelt interview. The post includes a link to the full interview video on YouTube.
Zhalgasbek Zhumagulova reached a milestone in his fighting career at ACA 202, recording the first knockout victory of his professional life at the event held on April 13, 2026.
The moment carried personal weight beyond the result itself. Zhumagulova's eldest son was ringside to witness the finish, and the fighter sat down afterward for what was described as a heartfelt video interview covering several significant topics, including a potential return to the UFC, problems he sees in modern MMA promotion, and the difficulties young fighters face trying to break through in the sport.
Also in attendance was fellow Kazakhstani Sergey Morozov, a former UFC bantamweight who brings a 19-5-0 professional record into whatever comes next in his own career. Morozov, 37, trains out of American Top Team and has built a reputation as a technically sound striker and capable grappler. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, the orthodox fighter averaged 3.01 significant strikes per minute during his UFC tenure while also putting together a strong takedown rate of 3.63 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Zhumagulova's first career knockout marks a clear step forward in his development as a finisher
- His comments on a potential UFC return signal ambition to compete at the sport's highest level
- Morozov's presence ties the moment to a broader Kazakhstani MMA community with established UFC connections
- Zhumagulova's remarks on promotion and fighter development point to wider concerns within the regional MMA landscape
