Zhalgas Zhumagulov earns first career knockout, discusses UFC return

Zhalgas Zhumagulov reached a milestone in his fighting career by recording the first knockout victory of his professional life, a moment made more personal by the presence of his eldest son and fellow Kazakhstani fighter Sergey Morozov at ringside. A video interview released around the fight captures Zhumagulov reflecting on the achievement and speaking openly about the possibility of returning to the UFC.

Zhumagulov, 37, carries a professional record of 14 wins and 9 losses and competes out of American Top Team. The five-foot-four flyweight fights out of a switch stance and has built his reputation as a high-output striker, landing 5.24 significant strikes per minute across his career at 43 percent accuracy. He also mixes in a modest grappling threat, averaging 1.3 takedowns per 15 minutes. His time in the UFC produced several memorable performances, and the interview suggests he has not closed the door on a return to the promotion.

Also present for the occasion was Morozov, Zhumagulov's teammate and fellow Kazakhstani. The 37-year-old bantamweight holds a record of 19-5 and is a product of the same American Top Team program. Morozov averages 3.01 significant strikes per minute and complements his striking with a strong wrestling game, posting 3.63 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Zhumagulov's first career knockout adds a new finishing tool to his profile ahead of any potential UFC discussions
• A UFC return, if it materializes, would reintroduce one of Kazakhstan's more active strikers to the world's top flyweight competition
• The interview also touches on broader issues facing young fighters in MMA, adding context beyond the knockout itself