UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales - Dustin Stoltzfus Battles Nursulton Ruziboev in Middleweight Bout

Get ready for middleweight action on the main card of UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales this Saturday, May 17, 2025, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Veteran Dustin Stoltzfus steps into the octagon to face the imposing powerhouse from Uzbekistan, Nursulton "Black" Ruziboev. Both fighters are looking for a significant win in the 185-pound division.

Fighter Backgrounds

Dustin Stoltzfus

Dustin Stoltzfus (16-6-0), representing Xtreme Couture in the USA, is a seasoned middleweight in the UFC. Known for his toughness and grappling, Stoltzfus has secured three wins via (T)KO and six by submission. He is always a game opponent and has faced a variety of challenges in the octagon.

Nursulton Ruziboev

Nursulton "Black" Ruziboev (35-9-2), fighting out of Renzo Gracie Philly in Uzbekistan, is a highly experienced middleweight with an incredible number of finishes on his record. Ruziboev has thirteen wins via (T)KO and a remarkable twenty by submission, showcasing devastating finishing abilities in both striking and grappling. At 6'5", he also possesses a significant size advantage.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Dustin Stoltzfus

• Submission Grappler: Six submission wins highlight Stoltzfus' threat on the ground.
• Toughness and Durability: Has proven to be a resilient fighter who can absorb damage.
• Veteran Experience: Has faced tough competition in the UFC.

Nursulton Ruziboev

• Exceptional Finishing Rate: Ruziboev boasts 33 finishes in 35 wins, a truly outstanding record.
• Dangerous in All Areas: Capable of finishing opponents with both powerful strikes and a wide variety of submissions.
• Significant Size and Reach: At 6'5", he has a notable physical advantage.
• High Activity: Has a very active fight schedule.

Recent Performances

Dustin Stoltzfus

Dustin Stoltzfus is coming off a first-round TKO victory over Marc-Andre Barriault in November 2024, a significant finish to get back in the win column. Prior to that, he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Brunno Ferreira in June 2024 but secured a second-round submission win over Punahele Soriano in December 2023.

Nursulton Ruziboev

Nursulton Ruziboev is coming off a second-round TKO victory over Eric McConico in February 2025, continuing his finishing ways. Prior to that, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Joaquin Buckley in May 2024 but secured a first-round TKO win over Sedriques Dumas in March 2024 and a first-round TKO win over Brunno Ferreira in July 2023 in his UFC debut.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Dustin Stoltzfus	+235
Nursulton Ruziboev	-290

Nursulton Ruziboev is the significant betting favorite in this middleweight main card bout with odds of -290, while Dustin Stoltzfus is the underdog at +235.

Keys to Victory

Dustin Stoltzfus

• Survive the Early Storm: Stoltzfus needs to weather Ruziboev's early aggression and finishing threats.
• Utilize His Own Grappling: While Ruziboev is dangerous, Stoltzfus has submission skills and could look to turn the tables on the ground.
• Push the Fight Later: If he can tire Ruziboev, Stoltzfus' cardio and durability could become factors.

Nursulton Ruziboev

• Impose Size and Finishing Ability: Ruziboev should utilize his physical advantages and high finishing rate to overwhelm Stoltzfus.
• Look for the Early Finish: Capitalizing on his explosive starts could lead to a quick victory.
• Be Wary of Stoltzfus' Submissions: While favored, Ruziboev needs to be careful of Stoltzfus' grappling threats if the fight goes to the mat.

Prediction