Nurullo Aliev Record: 12-0-0

Contender Series and UFC arrival

Aliev earned his shot at the big stage in September 2022, when he stopped Josh Wick via first-round ground-and-pound on Dana White's Contender Series, a rare early finish that showcased the smothering top game beneath his decision-heavy record and secured his UFC contract. He made a successful Octagon debut in February 2023, taking a majority decision over the experienced Rafael Alves. After a layoff, he returned in January 2025 to outpoint grappling specialist Joe Solecki by unanimous decision, then closed out 2025 in November with another unanimous-decision win over the 12-1-1 Shaqueme Rock, pushing his unbeaten run to 11-0 and his profile as a rising contender along with it.

Fighting style

Aliev is a wrestling-and-control specialist in the mold of the Dagestani-Tajik grapplers who have dominated the lightweight division. Nine of his 11 wins have come by decision, with just two finishes, giving him an 18% finish rate – the numbers of a fighter who wins by accumulating position, control time and pressure rather than chasing highlight stoppages. His takedown game and top control are his calling cards, and he has shown the cardio to drag opponents into deep, grinding three-round fights. The trade-off is the obvious one: he has yet to develop the finishing instinct on the feet or the mat to close shows early, and his decision-heavy résumé means judges have decided most of his fights. Still, an unblemished record against steadily rising competition speaks to how effective the formula has been.

Career highlights

• Undefeated through 11 pro fights — has never lost as a professional, carrying a perfect 11-0 record into the UFC lightweight division.
• Contender Series finish — stopped Josh Wick by first-round ground-and-pound to earn his UFC contract, a rare early finish that flashed his ceiling.
• Beat a top prospect — outpointed the 12-1-1 Shaqueme Rock by unanimous decision in late 2025, his most notable Octagon win to date.