UFC 334 loses top middleweight prospect, Cesar Almeida steps in

Undefeated middleweight prospect Baisangur Susurkaev has withdrawn from UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden, and experienced kickboxer Cesar Almeida has stepped in as a replacement.

Susurkaev, who went 12-0 before joining the UFC via Dana White's Contender Series in 2025, earned three consecutive wins by knockout or submission for the promotion. His opponent, Donte Johnson (9-0), was also signed off DWCS in 2025 and has compiled three consecutive UFC victories over Eric McConico, Cody Brundage, and Sedriques Dumas. The reason for Susurkaev's withdrawal was not disclosed.

Almeida (7-3) enters on the heels of back-to-back losses, most recently a knockout defeat to Damian Pinas at UFC 329. However, the Brazilian made an impressive UFC debut with a first-round knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan. Johnson, still undefeated, now faces an experienced opponent with proven striking credentials.