The UFC is set to make its debut in Azerbaijan with UFC Fight Night: Baku on June 21, 2025, at Baku Crystal Hall, headlined by a pivotal light heavyweight clash between former champion Jamahal Hill and hard-hitting contender Khalil Rountree Jr. The event marks the promotion’s first foray into the Caucasus region, capitalizing on Azerbaijan’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.

Main Event: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. Originally slated for UFC Kansas City in April, the bout was postponed after Hill sustained an injury. Both fighters are looking to rebound from recent losses to reigning champion Alex Pereira. Hill (12-3, 1 NC), who vacated his title due to an Achilles injury in 2023, suffered consecutive knockout defeats to Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. Rountree Jr. (13-6, 1 NC), riding a five-fight win streak before his title bid, impressed despite a fourth-round TKO loss to Pereira at UFC 307.

Co-Main and Featured Fights The card boasts a flyweight showdown between Japanese star Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5) and Russia’s Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2). Horiguchi, a former Bellator and Rizin champion, returns to the UFC for the first time since 2016. Heavyweights Curtis Blaydes (18-5) and Rizvan Kuniev (13-2-1) collide in a clash of grappling specialists, while Egypt’s Hamdy Abdelwahab (6-0) meets Mohammed Usman (10-4) in another heavyweight tilt.

Undercard Highlights

• Middleweight: Junyong Park (18-6) vs. Ismail Naurdiev (24-7).
• Women’s bantamweight: Irina Alekseeva (5-2) vs. Klaudia Sygula (6-2).
• Daria Zhelezniakova (9-2) vs. Melissa Mullins (7-1).

Event Logistics Tickets go on sale April 25 via iTicket, with early access for UFC Fight Club members on April 23. UFC CEO Dana White emphasized Baku’s "incredible history of hosting global sporting events," noting the region’s untapped MMA talent pool.

Context and Stakes The rescheduled Hill-Rountree Jr. bout carries significant divisional implications, with the winner likely re-entering the title conversation. Horiguchi’s return adds intrigue to the flyweight division, while Blaydes aims to rebound after a recent skid. The event underscores the UFC’s global expansion strategy, following successful debuts in markets like France and South Korea.

Full Fight Card:

• Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
• Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov
• Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
• Junyong Park vs. Ismail Naurdiev
• Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman
• Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Sygula
• Daria Zhelezniakova vs. Melissa Mullins.