Damian Pinas knocked out Andrey Pulyaev with a right-handed uppercut 1:15 into the first round at UFC 332 on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The middleweight bout aired live on Paramount+/CBS, with Pinas entering the matchup as a heavy betting favorite.
The victory improved Pinas to 11-1 overall and 3-0 in the UFC, marking his third consecutive first-round knockout inside the promotion. LowKickMMA.com added that the Surinamese prospect, nicknamed “Baba Yaga,” earned his roster spot with a first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2025.
Fight Night Action at UFC 332
LowKickMMA.com reported that Pulyaev utilized his length and movement early while Pinas worked to close the distance. Pulyaev landed a low body kick that caught Pinas, but the 24-year-old declined a stoppage and immediately resumed fighting, according to LowKickMMA.com. Pinas then attacked his opponent’s legs before Pulyaev found success with a jab and another body kick.
Pulyaev extends losing skid to three fights after stoppage
Action Network detailed the tale of the tape prior to the opening bell, listing Pinas at 6-foot-1 with a 79-inch reach, fighting out of an orthodox stance at 185 pounds out of the Nova União camp. Action Network noted that Pulyaev stood 6-foot-4 with a 78-inch reach and an orthodox stance, though the article did not mention Yardbarker’s listing of Pulyaev’s career record at 37-9-2.
Following the stoppage, Pulyaev’s UFC record fell to 1-4, extending his losing skid inside the promotion to three fights, according to LowKickMMA.com.
Questions About Damian Pinas at UFC 332
What was Damian Pinas’ record entering UFC 332?
Damian Pinas entered the event with a 11-1 professional record and a 3-0 mark inside the UFC, having won his previous two promotional bouts by first-round knockout.
How did Andrey Pulyaev perform before the knockout?
Andrey Pulyaev utilized his 6-foot-4 frame and movement early in the opening round, landing a body kick and a jab before Pinas closed the distance to end the fight.
What is Damian Pinas’ gym affiliation?
Damian Pinas trains out of the Nova União camp, known for developing fighters with strong counter-wrestling foundations.
What was Pulyaev’s recent Octagon form?
Andrey Pulyaev dropped to 1-4 in the UFC following the loss, marking his third consecutive defeat inside the promotion.
To be honest, that was not my full power again,
Pinas told Joe Rogan during a post-fight interview, adding that he hadn’t even warmed up yet.
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