UFC: AZERBAIJANI DEBUT

After months of anticipation, Azerbaijan's capital hosted its first-ever UFC Fight Night event at Baku Crystal Hall before over 14,000 spectators. The 12-fight card lasted 2 hours, 53 minutes and 52 seconds, making it one of UFC's longest events (ranking 11th historically).

Honoured guests included Heydar Aliyev Foundation Vice President Leyla Aliyeva, Baku Media Center Director Arzu Aliyeva, Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee Secretary General Azer Aliyev, and their family members.

Three fighters, one winner

Azerbaijan was represented by three fighters. The co-main event featured lightweight #11-ranked Azerbaijani Rafael Fiziyev defeating Chile's Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision.

Another Azerbaijani fighter, Nazim Sadykhov, earned a second-round TKO victory over experienced Brazilian Nicolas Motta - winning "Performance of the Night" honours and a $100,000 bonus for both fighters.

Unfortunately, debutant Tofig Musayev lost to Kyrgyzstan's Myktybek Orolbay via first-round submission.

Full UFC Fight Night Card results

- Featherweight: Muhammad Naimov (Tajikistan) def. Bogdan Grad (Austria) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

- Lightweight: Nazim Sadykhov (Azerbaijan) def. Nicolas Motta (Brazil) via TKO (Round 2)

- Lightweight: Myktybek Orolbay (Kyrgyzstan) def. Tofiq Musayev (Azerbaijan, debut) via submission (Round 1)

- Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (USA) def. Rizvan Kuniev (Russia) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

- Lightweight: Rafael Fiziev (Azerbaijan) def. Ignacio Bahamondes (Chile) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

- Light Heavyweight: Khalil Rountree Jr. (USA) def. Jamahal Hill (USA) (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

The main event saw former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill fall to ex-title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr.

Reactions and assessments

UFC's Baku debut demonstrated Azerbaijan's growing MMA interest, though some spectators showed limited rules knowledge.

UFC leadership and athletes praised Azerbaijan's organization and hospitality. UFC President Dana White stated at the post-event press conference: "Baku is magnificent - a beautiful city with incredibly hospitable people. My wife and I leave Azerbaijan with wonderful impressions. Baku became a new UFC venue, and I believe many will remember this as a positive experience." White avoided detailed commentary on judging decisions.

Fighters' comments

Debutant Tofig Musayev, despite his loss, posted on social media: "Victory wasn't meant to be this time. Sometimes despite hard work and strong faith, life tests us. This path isn't walked alone. My training partners and coaches - you're part of this struggle. And your voices... those loud cheers from thousands... I heard and felt your support. You can lose a fight but never this love. This isn't the end - I'll return stronger."

Notably, Musayev's participation was uncertain after his opponent missed weight by 5 kg. Organizers considered cancelling the bout, but Tofig chose to proceed.

Winner Nazim Sadykhov thanked fans: "I couldn't lose in my native Baku. Your support drove me to victory. Hard training paid off on home soil."

Rafael Fiziyev, who climbed UFC rankings with his win, shared: "Azerbaijan loves combat sports, and UFC Baku proved it. Feeling the crowd's energy, I'd gladly fight here again."

UFC's inaugural Baku event became a landmark for Azerbaijan and the region. The nearly three-hour marathon of technical bouts, submissions and knockouts delivered thrilling entertainment, proving UFC's strong potential in Azerbaijan.