The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made a historic debut in Azerbaijan on June 21, 2025, staging an electrifying event at the Baku Crystal Hall in the capital city, Baku. Marking the first time UFC hosted a tournament in this vibrant city, the fight night featured an impressive lineup of bouts showcasing top-tier talent from around the globe, including several prominent Azerbaijani fighters. The event, known as UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr., was broadcast live on ESPN+ and ABC, captivating fight fans worldwide with a mix of thrilling preliminary and main card matchups.
The headline bout spotlighted a fierce light heavyweight clash between former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and recent title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. This main event carried significant weight, as both fighters sought to rebound from recent setbacks and reestablish themselves among the division's elite. Hill, who secured the UFC 205-pound crown at UFC 283 in January 2023, has faced a challenging couple of years marked by injuries and tough losses, including a ruptured Achilles tendon and knockout defeats to Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. Meanwhile, Rountree, ranked No. 7 in the light heavyweight division, came into the fight following a loss to Pereira in a title challenge and a 4.5-month suspension due to a self-reported drug test failure.
The co-main event featured a lightweight showdown between Azerbaijani star Rafael Fiziev and Chile's Ignacio Bahamondes, promising an exciting clash of styles. Alongside these marquee fights, the card was stacked with notable bouts including Curtis Blaydes facing Rizvan Kuniev in the heavyweight division, and Azerbaijani fighters Tofig Musayev and Nazim Sadykhov taking on Myktybek Orolbai and Nikolas Motta respectively, highlighting local talent on the global stage.
The preliminary card kicked off at 8:00 p.m. local time, delivering a series of unanimous decision victories that set a competitive tone for the evening. South Korea's Jun Yong Park dominated Ismail Naurdiev with a unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-25), while Darya Zheleznyakova outpointed Melissa Mullins (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). Poland's Klaudia Sygula also impressed with a clean sweep over Irina Alekseeva (30-27 across all judges). In the flyweight division, Tagir Ulanbekov secured a unanimous decision win against Azat Maksum (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), and Mohammed Usman edged out Hamdy Abdelwahab (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), showcasing a night of high-caliber performances.
As the main card commenced at 11:00 p.m. local time, the energy in Baku Crystal Hall intensified. The featherweight bout between Muhammad Naimov and Bogdan Grad added to the excitement, alongside the heavyweight showdown featuring Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev. Azerbaijani fans rallied behind their fighters, especially during Tofig Musayev's lightweight contest against Myktybek Orolbai and Rafael Fiziev's bout with Ignacio Bahamondes, both delivering compelling action.
Jamahal Hill entered the Octagon with a 12-3 record, known for his striking prowess and multiple “Performance of the Night” bonuses. His path to the UFC began in 2019 with a successful Dana White Contender Series appearance, followed by a swift rise culminating in capturing the light heavyweight title. Despite recent challenges, Hill remained a formidable opponent, eager to reclaim his position atop the division.
Khalil Rountree Jr., with a professional record of 13-6, brought a dynamic knockout power to the matchup. Having joined the UFC in 2016, Rountree's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, including a five-fight winning streak and notable knockout victories. His resilience and aggressive style made the main event a highly anticipated encounter.
The betting odds heading into the fight reflected the evenly matched nature of the bout, with Hill and Rountree nearly tied at -110 and -1110 respectively, according to BetMGM. This parity added an extra layer of intrigue for fans and bettors alike, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
Throughout the preliminary fights, detailed play-by-play accounts revealed the intensity and skill on display. For instance, Mohammed Usman overcame early leg kicks from Hamdy Abdelwahab to secure a unanimous decision victory, while Tagir Ulanbekov and Azat Maksum engaged in a tactical flyweight battle that showcased their striking and grappling abilities. In the women's bantamweight division, Klaudia Sygula's relentless pressure and striking accuracy earned her a unanimous decision over Irina Alekseeva, despite a brief groin strike incident that led to a pause in the action.
Another highlight from the prelims was the middleweight bout where Jun Yong Park showcased his durability and grappling acumen to defeat Ismail Naurdiev by unanimous decision, overcoming adversity including an eye poke and a significant cut sustained during the fight. The welterweight matchup between Seok Hyeon Ko and Oban Elliott saw Ko utilize his judo skills and ground control to dominate, culminating in a unanimous decision victory.
As the main card unfolded, the atmosphere in Baku was electric, with fans witnessing high-stakes battles and technical showcases. The local crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, especially during the Azerbaijani fighters' bouts, bringing a unique energy to the event. The UFC's successful debut in Azerbaijan not only provided thrilling entertainment but also signaled the organization's expanding global footprint and commitment to bringing top-tier mixed martial arts to new audiences.
While the outcomes of the main event and other key fights were eagerly awaited, the event's significance extended beyond the results. It represented a milestone for Azerbaijani sports, offering local athletes a platform to compete at the highest level and inspiring a new generation of fighters. The UFC's presence in Baku also highlighted the city's growing reputation as a hub for international sporting events, leveraging its modern facilities like the Baku Crystal Hall.
With the event now concluded, fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead to future UFC events in the region, anticipating continued growth and thrilling matchups. The successful execution of UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. in Baku sets a promising precedent for the sport's expansion and the cultivation of mixed martial arts talent across Azerbaijan and neighboring countries.
