UFC 319: Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev Preview & Prediction
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Two powerful finishers meet in a high-stakes middleweight bout, as Ultimate Fighter winner Bryan Battle moves up in weight to take on Uzbekistan’s towering striker Nursulton Ruziboev.
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev facts
What time are Bryan Battle and Nursulton Ruziboev expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? United Center, Chicago, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 319
What TV channel is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev main card
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page (Middleweight)
Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev prelims
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Baysangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan (Middleweight)
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (Lightweight)
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
Bryan Battle: TUF champion looking to make an impact at 185
Bryan Battle (12-2) enters this bout on a strong four-fight win streak, most recently edging out Randy Brown via split decision. The 30-year-old American has impressed during his UFC run, boasting a 7-1 promotional record with his only loss coming by decision to the highly regarded Rinat Fakhretdinov.
Battle now makes the jump to middleweight after previously competing at welterweight, where he was a big presence at 6'1". He missed weight for his last fight, which may have prompted the move up. Winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 29, Battle is a gritty, forward-moving brawler with heavy hands, solid grappling, and a strong chin. He’s secured 75% of his victories by finish and thrives in chaotic exchanges.
Nursulton Ruziboev: Towering Uzbek looking to impose his will
Though still early in his UFC journey, Nursulton Ruziboev (36-9-2) brings a deep resume from the global MMA circuit and a proven ability to finish fights. The 31-year-old from Uzbekistan is on a two-fight winning streak, having recently defeated Dustin Stoltzfus by decision in May. His only UFC loss came against the explosive Joaquin Buckley via decision.
Standing at 6'5", Ruziboev is a massive middleweight and often enjoys a significant reach advantage. He’s a solid striker with genuine power and can be crafty on the feet, though he sometimes fails to fully utilise his range. He also has solid grappling fundamentals and submission skills. The Uzbek is a true finisher with 92% of his wins coming via stoppage.
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev prediction
This match-up is evenly poised, with both men capable of ending the fight early. Battle brings grit and pressure, while Ruziboev will look to use his size and striking to keep the American at bay. The key factor could be the weight class — Ruziboev is huge for middleweight, and Battle is making his divisional debut.
Ultimately, the most likely outcome is a finish. With both men boasting a high stoppage rate and a tendency to engage in wild exchanges, expect this one to end inside the distance.
Prediction: Fight to not go the distance
