Diyar Nurgozhay

Overview

Two submission losses to start his UFC run, then two straight wins. Diyar Nurgozhay, a Kazakhstan-born southpaw at light heavyweight, is 2-2 in the UFC and carries a two-fight winning streak into his next appearance.

His professional record across all promotions is 12-2-0, so both of his career losses came in the UFC. He trains out of Pound 4 Pound Muay Thai, and the striking numbers fit that.

UFC Career

Nurgozhay's path to the UFC ran through Dana White's Contender Series, where he beat Bartosz Szewczyk by KO/TKO in round 2 at 3:32. That fight counts toward his professional record, not his UFC one.

The UFC debut didn't go the same way. He lost to Brendson Ribeiro by submission in round 2 at 1:28, and five months later Uran Satybaldiev submitted him in round 1 at 2:45. Two fights, two submission losses.

Then came the turnaround. At UFC 326 he took a unanimous decision over Rafael Tobias, his only UFC fight to go the distance. Next he finished Bruno Lopes by KO/TKO in round 1 at 4:59, one second from the end of the round.

Four UFC fights is a small sample, but the split is clear: both losses ended on the mat, both wins came while he stayed upright.

Fighting Style

Diyar Nurgozhay is a busy, accurate striker who is hard to hit. He lands a lot, rarely misses, and takes less damage than most fighters in the UFC.

His takedown defense is excellent, and he rarely shoots for takedowns himself. He also doesn't hunt for submissions. Still, both of his UFC losses came by submission, so the grappling side is where he has been beaten.

His one UFC finish was a first-round knockout.

Notable Wins

• Bruno Lopes: KO/TKO, round 1 (4:59), UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs. Salkilld (2026)
• Rafael Tobias: unanimous decision, UFC 326 (2026)

Quick Facts

• Division: Light Heavyweight
• UFC record: 2-2 (1 KO/TKO, 1 decision)
• Professional record (all promotions): 12-2-0
• UFC debut: 2025
• Stance: Southpaw
• Height / Reach: 6'2" / 74"
• Team: Pound 4 Pound Muay Thai
• Born: Kazakhstan