UFC Makes History with First-Ever Event in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan – June 21, 2025: The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) celebrated a landmark occasion on Saturday night, staging its inaugural event in Azerbaijan at the iconic Baku Crystal Hall. The sold-out #UFCBaku card marked a significant milestone for mixed martial arts in the region, drawing thousands of passionate fans and spotlighting Azerbaijan’s emergence on the global sports stage.

The main event featured a high-stakes light heavyweight battle between former champion Jamahal Hill and surging contender Khalil Rountree Jr. Both fighters delivered an electrifying performance, with the bout going the distance in a display of skill, heart, and resilience that kept the crowd on its feet.

Local hero Nazim Mammadov provided one of the night’s most memorable moments, scoring a spectacular knockout victory in front of his home crowd. Mammadov’s win was met with thunderous applause, as he celebrated the biggest triumph of his career and further ignited the enthusiasm of Azerbaijani fans.

The undercard was stacked with international talent, including a flyweight clash between Tagir Ulanbekov and former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi. In the heavyweight division, Curtis Blaydes squared off against rising prospect Rizvan Kuniev in a hard-hitting contest that showcased the depth of the UFC roster.

The event was broadcast live on ABC and ESPN+, bringing the excitement of UFC’s Baku debut to a global audience. Tickets for the event sold out within hours of release, underscoring the region’s fervent support for mixed martial arts and the UFC’s growing influence worldwide.

UFC President Dana White praised the success of the event, stating, “Tonight was a historic night for the UFC and for Azerbaijan. The energy in Baku Crystal Hall was incredible, and we’re proud to bring world-class MMA to new fans around the world.”

With its successful debut in Azerbaijan, the UFC continues to expand its international footprint, promising more events in new markets and further opportunities for fighters and fans alike.