The UFC is set to make its highly anticipated return to Azerbaijan this summer with a thrilling lightweight showdown between No. 9-ranked contender Rafael Fiziev and surging knockout specialist Manuel Torres headlining UFC Fight Night on Saturday, June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.
Following a successful debut event in the Azerbaijani capital in 2025, the UFC returns with another stacked card featuring elite talent from across the globe. Fans can expect an action-packed evening inside the Octagon as several rising contenders and fan favorites look to make statements on one of the year’s most exciting international cards.
Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres go on sale Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. AZT via iTicket. UFC Fight Club members will receive early access beginning Wednesday, May 13, while fans who registered interest for the event can purchase tickets starting Thursday, May 14. Additional event information is available through UFC Baku Event Page.
Representing Phuket, Thailand by way of Azerbaijan, Rafael Fiziev enters the bout with a 13-5 professional record and a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division. Known for his devastating Muay Thai and highlight-reel finishes, Fiziev owns impressive victories over former lightweight contender Rafael Dos Anjos and fan favorite Brad Riddell. He most recently earned a unanimous decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes in Baku last June and now looks to deliver another memorable performance in front of the Azerbaijani crowd.
Standing across from him will be one of the division’s fastest-rising finishers in Manuel Torres. Fighting out of Ciudad Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, Torres has compiled a 17-3 record with an astonishing 16 of those wins coming in the opening round. The explosive lightweight has earned a Fight Night bonus in all five of his UFC victories, securing emphatic stoppages over notable opponents including Grant Dawson, Drew Dober, and Nikolas Motta. A win over Fiziev could catapult Torres firmly into the lightweight title conversation.
The co-main event promises fireworks as dynamic middleweights Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira collide in what could become one of the most entertaining bouts of the year. Both fighters are widely known for their unpredictable striking attacks and flashy finishes, making this matchup a can’t-miss contest for fight fans.
The remainder of the card is loaded with compelling matchups featuring established contenders, undefeated prospects, and hometown athletes eager to shine on the international stage.
Azerbaijan’s own Nazim Sadykhov faces Brazil’s Matheus Camilo in a lightweight showdown, while ranked flyweight contenders Asu Almabayev and Charles Johnson square off in a pivotal divisional clash.
The middleweight division will also take center stage throughout the evening. Russian contender Ikram Aliskerov meets dangerous finisher Brunno Ferreira, while Abus Magomedov battles Poland’s Michal Oleksiejczuk in another high-stakes matchup.
Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Adul Rakhman Yakhyaev looks to keep his perfect 9-0 record intact against Julius Walker, while hometown prospect Farman Hasanov makes his UFC debut against Eric Nolan in a welterweight contest.
Elsewhere on the card, former title challenger Marvin Vettori returns to action against Ismail Naurdiev, and Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev meets Andrey Pulyaev in another middleweight contest.
Additional bouts include a welterweight meeting between Daniil Donchenko and Andreas Gustafsson, as well as a bantamweight showdown between Bekzat Almakhan and Jean Matsumoto.
With UFC events around the world consistently selling out, fans are encouraged to register their interest early through UFC Official Website and follow the promotion on social media for the latest updates regarding fight announcements and ticket availability.
