UFC Marks Historic Debut in Azerbaijan with Stacked Fight Night in Baku
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make history with its inaugural event in Azerbaijan, broadcasting live from the iconic Baku Crystal Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night card, headlined by a crucial light heavyweight showdown, promises a night of pivotal matchups as fighters look to climb the ranks.
MMA Fighting is on-site in Baku, providing comprehensive coverage including a live blog of the main event and official results as they happen.
Main Event: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill (12-3, 1 NC) squares off against the hard-hitting Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6, 1 NC) in a pivotal five-round contest. Both fighters are looking to rebound after recent setbacks.
Hill, who became champion in 2023 before vacating the title due to injury, is currently on an uncharacteristic two-fight losing skid, with knockout losses to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 and Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311. Avoiding a third straight loss is paramount for “Sweet Dreams” if he aims to re-enter the title picture.
Rountree Jr. is also coming off a loss, a valiant effort against Alex Pereira at UFC 307 which, despite the defeat, showcased his striking prowess and snapped a five-fight win streak built over two years. A win over a former champion like Hill is crucial for Rountree Jr. to regain momentum and solidify his position in the top 10 of the division. This matchup is expected to be a striking battle, promising potential fireworks.
Co-Main Event: Rafael Fiziev vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
The co-main event features a compelling lightweight clash between the dynamic Rafael Fiziev (12-4), fighting out of Baku by way of Thailand, and the streaking Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5). Fiziev, despite being a dangerous striker, is currently on a three-fight losing streak and desperately needs a win, especially fighting in a country he represents. Bahamondes, on the other hand, rides a three-fight winning streak and looks to add a big name to his resume and potentially enter the Lightweight Top 10.
Stacked Main Card
The main card, airing on ABC and ESPN+ starting at 3 p.m. ET, features several other intriguing bouts:
Heavyweight: #5 ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (18-5, 1 NC) welcomes Contender Series standout Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1, 1 NC) to the Octagon.
Lightweight: Hometown hero Tofiq Musayev (22-5), making his UFC debut in Azerbaijan after successful runs in Bellator and RIZIN, faces Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1).
Lightweight: Nazim Sadykhov (10-1-1), another fighter with ties to Baku, looks to extend his unbeaten streak against Nikolas Motta (15-5, 1 NC).
Featherweight: Muhammad Naimov (12-3), with a 4-1 UFC record, takes on the in-form Bogdan Grad (15-2), who is on a four-fight win streak.
Preliminary Card Highlights
The preliminary fights, broadcasting on ESPN and ESPN+ starting at 12 p.m. ET, also feature key matchups:
Heavyweight: Hamdy Abdelwahab (6-0, 1 NC) vs. Mohammed Usman (11-4) marks the historic first-ever UFC fight held in Azerbaijan. Usman is also a former Ultimate Fighter winner.
Flyweight: #12 ranked Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2) defends his ranking against Azat Maksum (15-1).
Bantamweight: Rising prospect Melissa Mullins (7-1) faces Daria Zhelezniakova (9-2).
Middleweight: Finisher Ismael Naurdiev (24-7) battles the “always exciting” JunYong Park (18-6).
Welterweight: Oban Elliott (12-2), riding an impressive eight-fight win streak, takes on UFC newcomer Seokhyeon Ko (11-2).
This event represents a significant milestone for the UFC and combat sports in Azerbaijan, bringing a global stage to local talent and showcasing exciting matchups across multiple divisions.
How to Watch UFC Baku: Hill vs. Rountree Jr.
Prelims: Start at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+
Main Card: Starts at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on ABC, ESPN+
Location: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
Stay tuned to MMA Fighting for live updates, round-by-round coverage, and official results from UFC Baku.
