Damian Pinas calls out Baysangur Susurkaev, wants October return

Damian Pinas has publicly called out Baysangur Susurkaev and expressed his desire to return to action in October, citing a direct link between his own misfortune and Susurkaev's path to a UFC contract.

Pinas, known as "The Babayaga," was originally booked to face Murtaza Talha on a Dana White's Contender Series card in August 2025 but was forced to withdraw due to visa complications. Susurkaev stepped in on short notice, defeated Talha, and earned a UFC deal as a result. Pinas has since taken issue with Susurkaev publicly claiming not to know who he is, arguing that Susurkaev's UFC opportunity exists only because Pinas was unable to compete that night.

The 24-year-old Dutch prospect carries a 10-1-0 record and presents a striking-heavy profile that stands out on paper. He lands 6.33 significant strikes per minute at a 63 percent accuracy rate, and his 79-inch reach gives him a considerable physical edge in most matchups at his weight class.

Talha, the fighter both men are now connected through, is a 30-year-old orthodox striker from Bahrain fighting out of KHK MMA. He holds a 6-1-0 record and generates nearly five significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, though he has registered no takedown or submission activity in tracked bouts.

Why it matters

• Pinas has a legitimate grievance, having lost his Contender Series slot through circumstances outside his control
• A fight with Susurkaev would give both men a high-profile way to resolve the dispute while competing at the UFC level
• Pinas's reach advantage and output rate would make the stylistic matchup a compelling striker-versus-striker contest
• An October timeline suggests Pinas expects to be cleared and ready to compete well within the year