Asu Almabayev defeated Johnson in a closely contested bout, controlling the grappling exchanges before securing a submission finish late in the third round. Both fighters displayed creative ground work throughout the fight.
Asu Almabayev extended his winning ways on June 27, 2026, submitting Johnson late in the third round of a closely fought flyweight contest that kept fans engaged from the opening bell.
Almabayev, known by his nickname Zulfikar, came in ranked eighth in the flyweight division with a professional record of 24-3-0. The 32-year-old from Kazakhstan trains out of DAR Pro Team and brings a well-rounded grappling game to every fight. His numbers reflect that style — he averages 4.46 takedowns per 15 minutes and registers 1.5 submission attempts in the same span, making him one of the more persistent grapplers in the 125-pound weight class. His striking accuracy sits at 50 percent, and he lands 2.31 significant strikes per minute, suggesting he is selective and measured on the feet. Standing five-foot-four with a 65-inch reach, he compensates for modest physical dimensions with smart positioning and relentless pressure on the mat.
The bout lived up to expectations as a technical grappling showcase. Both fighters exchanged creative ground work across the first two rounds before Almabayev seized control of the fight's momentum and ultimately forced the tap in the closing minutes of round three.
Why it matters
- The victory moves Almabayev to 24-3-0 and reinforces his standing as a legitimate top-ten flyweight threat.
- A late submission finish highlights the finishing ability that makes him dangerous even in tight, competitive fights.
- At 32, Almabayev remains in his prime and a win of this nature keeps him well within range of the division's upper tier.
