Asualy Almabayev defeated Johnson in a three-round contest, controlling the fight on the ground before finishing with a submission in the closing moments of round three. The bout was highlighted by creative grappling exchanges from both competitors.
Asu "Zulfikar" Almabayev added another impressive finish to his record on June 27, 2026, submitting Johnson in the final moments of round three to claim a hard-fought three-round victory in the flyweight division.
Almabayev, ranked eighth in the flyweight division, continues to build one of the more quietly compelling resumes in the 125-pound weight class. The 32-year-old Kazakhstani fighter, representing DAR Pro Team, now stands at 24-3-0 and has long been known as a tenacious grappler. His numbers back that reputation up — he averages 4.46 takedowns per 15 minutes and attempts submissions at a rate of 1.5 per 15 minutes, giving opponents almost no margin for error once the fight hits the mat. He also carries a striking accuracy of 50 percent, a figure that reflects a measured, efficient approach rather than volume output.
The bout itself was described as a technically engaging affair, with creative grappling exchanges featuring prominently throughout. Almabayev worked methodically to control the contest on the ground before seizing his opportunity late in the championship round to secure the finish.
Why it matters
- At 24-3-0 and ranked eighth at flyweight, Almabayev is pushing himself into contention territory with another finishing result.
- His submission in the closing seconds of round three underscores his patience and finishing instincts on the ground, qualities that will trouble any opponent ranked above him.
- The creative grappling exchanges suggest Johnson pushed Almabayev through a full three rounds, meaning the Kazakhstani was tested before delivering the stoppage.
