By MMA Fight Coverage Editor Penny Buffington
For the first time in its storied history, the UFC is headed to Azerbaijan.
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company, UFC will host its inaugural event in Baku on Saturday, June 21, live from the stunning Baku Crystal Hall. Topping the card is a high-stakes light heavyweight showdown between former champion Jamahal Hill and surging contender Khalil Rountree Jr.
Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HILL vs. ROUNTREE JR go on sale Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. AZT via iTicket. Fight Club members can access presale tickets on Wednesday, April 23, and early registrants gain access on Thursday, April 24.
A Landmark Partnership
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Miami ahead of UFC 314, where UFC President Dana White joined Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov to unveil the groundbreaking event.
“Azerbaijan and the city of Baku have an incredible history of hosting massive global sporting events,” said White. “We have so many great athletes from in and around this country that it was a natural next destination for us.”
Minister Gayibov echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the event’s importance in strengthening Azerbaijan’s international sports profile.
“Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s unwavering support and attention, Azerbaijan has gained international recognition in the world of sports,” he said.
Maqsud Farzullaev, General Director of BCC, called the UFC partnership a natural next step after the city’s successful collaboration with Formula 1.
Main Event: Hill vs. Rountree Jr.
Jamahal Hill (12-3, 1 NC), the first Dana White’s Contender Series alum to claim a UFC championship, looks to reestablish his title trajectory after a 2024 comeback. Known for victories over Thiago Santos, Johnny Walker, and Jimmy Crute, Hill aims to make a statement against the dangerous Rountree Jr.
Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6, 1 NC), coming off a Fight of the Night war against current champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307, is a knockout artist with 9 KOs to his name. A win over Hill could catapult him into the top five and title contention.
Co-Main and Undercard Highlights
This action-packed card also features:
- Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5), one of the most respected flyweights in MMA history, returns with hopes of becoming the first Japanese UFC champion. He meets Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2), a Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé with elite grappling skills and title aspirations.
- In a heavyweight clash, Curtis Blaydes (18-5), ranked No. 5, faces off against Rizvan Kuniev (13-2-1), a Dagestani powerhouse making his Octagon debut via Dana White’s Contender Series.
- Middleweight battle: Ismail Naurdiev (24-7) vs. Junyong Park (18-6)
- Heavyweight tilt: Hamdy Abdelwahab (6-0) vs. Mohammed Usman (10-4)
- Bantamweight action: Irina Alekseeva (5-2) vs. Klaudia Sygula (6-2)
- Bantamweight showdown: Daria Zhelezniakova (9-2) vs. Melissa Mullins (7-1)
Azerbaijani Fighters on the Rise
UFC’s move into Baku comes as Azerbaijani fighters like Rafael Fiziev continue to make waves in the Octagon, showcasing elite-level wrestling and striking. Fiziev’s wins over former champion Rafael dos Anjos and Bobby Green highlight the region’s growing influence in MMA.
Don’t Miss Out
UFC events are known for selling out quickly, and this historic debut in Azerbaijan is expected to be no exception. Fans are encouraged to register their interest at ufc.com/Baku and follow @UFCEurasia for the latest updates and exclusive content.
Stay tuned to MMA Fight Coverage for all your fight week news, previews, and breakdowns leading up to this monumental card.
