Baysangur Susurkayev stated at the UFC 328 media day that he plans to pursue a top-15 ranked opponent following his bout against Jorden Santos this weekend. The Russian middleweight is looking to climb the divisional rankings with a victory. The post suggests a potential matchup with Roman Dolidze, though reactions are mixed about whether Susurkayev is ready for that level of competition. Some commenters feel the young fighter should develop further before facing top-15 opposition. Susurkayev appears confident about his readiness to step up in competition.
Baysangur Susurkayev made clear at UFC 328 media day on Wednesday that a top-15 ranking is his next target, with the Russian middleweight aiming to use a victory over Jorden Santos this weekend as a launchpad up the divisional ladder.
Susurkayev expressed confidence in his readiness to step up in competition, and one name surfacing in discussions around a potential next opponent is Georgian middleweight Roman Dolidze. Reaction to that idea has been mixed, with some observers feeling the young Russian needs more seasoning before facing that caliber of opposition.
Dolidze, 37, currently sits at number 12 in the middleweight rankings and carries a professional record of 15-5. The Georgia-born Xtreme Couture product stands six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He lands 3.19 significant strikes per minute at 41 percent accuracy, and adds 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes to complement a well-rounded game that also features submission activity.
Why it matters
- A win over Santos at UFC 328 would strengthen Susurkayev's case for a ranked opponent and push him into title contention conversations.
- Dolidze, sitting at number 12, represents exactly the kind of established opponent that could validate Susurkayev's readiness for the upper tier of the division.
- The stylistic contrast between a hungry, ascending fighter and an experienced, physical veteran like Dolidze would carry genuine divisional stakes at 185 pounds.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
