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UFC continues to excite fans with thrilling announcements, and UFC 328 is already looking especially intriguing. Interest is growing because we are set to see the potential successor to superstar Khamzat Chimaev in action.
It was announced some time ago that Chimaev and Sean Strickland will headline the event. But there is another name on the card that deserves special attention: Baisangur Susurkaev. He will face Jordan Santos. Naturally, everyone once again noticed that Borz will compete on the same card as his “successor.” It seems this is already becoming a good tradition for the two men.
It is worth noting that Susurkaev and Chimaev are truly inseparable. Baisangur made his UFC debut at UFC 319, defeating Eric Nolan. He had to step into the cage on very short notice — just four days after his previous fight. Susurkaev handled the challenge brilliantly. In the main event, Chimaev won the UFC title by defeating Dricus du Plessis. Even then, Baisangur joked that this was a lucky omen for Borz. Chimaev, however, highly praised the newcomer’s skills. Even before the fight, Nolan had mocked Susurkaev. Borz himself responded: “He is better than me, brother. Don’t worry, he will knock you out.”
After that, Susurkaev competed at UFC 322. Chimaev did not fight there and was not in his corner. However, he still played an active role in preparing the fighter. That made it very interesting to see how Baisangur would perform. The young fighter earned a decisive victory over Eric McConico, knocking his opponent out in the third round. But many pointed out that the similarities between Susurkaev and Chimaev are not just superficial or statistical. It seemed as though the Russian had simply “run out of gas” at one point. Borz himself has had similar issues in the past. But that only gave him another opportunity to work on his mistakes.
The two fighters are also preparing together for UFC 328. Susurkaev himself confirmed this. However, he noted that the process is still in its early stages and that there is a long way to go. Once again, though, it is striking how Chimaev is practically looking after Baisangur. He can do much more than simply help with training. Chimaev undoubtedly provides guidance in other areas as well: mentally and psychologically. Susurkaev himself is excited about the opportunity to train with the champion. He is also predicting another victory:
“We are preparing for the tournament with Khamzat. Neither of us is in our best shape yet, but we have already started sparring. I think we will see a rear-naked choke in the second or third round in Khamzat’s fight against Strickland. That fight is easy for Khamzat.”
Susurkaev (11-0) is gradually starting to get more interesting opponents. Now he will be tested by Brazilian fighter Santos (12-2). He is a well-rounded fighter and appears to be very well prepared. Jordan is 1-1 in the best league on the planet, but it seems like people may be rushing his rise to the top. Yes, Chimaev initially fought often and won a lot. But in the end, he only got the chance to put a belt over his shoulder five years after joining the promotion. Susurkaev’s career can already be handled more carefully.
Susurkaev has an excellent opportunity. He is preparing in the most comfortable conditions possible. He will compete on the same card as Khamzat. He will even try to help Chimaev himself, both in preparation and from the corner. And there is a feeling that after the Brazilian, Susurkaev could face a much tougher opponent. But first, he has to get past Santos. And we still have to see whether Borz and Baisangur really are a lucky omen for one another.
