UFC announces return to Baku with Fiziev versus Torres headline bout
A full fight card featuring multiple bouts across various weight classes has been released, with broadcast details confirmed for Paramount+.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has confirmed plans to stage an event in Baku, Azerbaijan, titled "Fiziev vs. Torres" on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The contest is set to take place at the Baku Crystal Hall, a venue frequently utilised for major regional UFC operations. The announcement marks a scheduled return for the promotion to the city, aligning with its broader calendar of international events.
Central to the card is a lightweight division main event pitting Rafael Fiziev against Manuel Torres. The broadcast schedule for the event on Paramount+ indicates that preliminary bouts will commence at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with the main card following at 3:00 p.m. ET. This timing structure allows for a comprehensive viewing window across the Eastern Time zone.
Beyond the headline attraction, the organisation has outlined a full fight card comprising twelve bouts spanning weight classes from 125 lbs to 265 lbs. The co-main event features Shara Magomedov facing Michel Pereira in the middleweight division. Additional middleweight action is scheduled between Marvin Vettori and Ismail Naurdiev, while heavyweight contenders Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune are set to clash in the 265 lbs category.
The undercard also includes bouts across the welterweight, light heavyweight, and bantamweight divisions, featuring fighters such as Brunno Ferreira, Julius Walker, and Bekzat Almakhan. The inclusion of these diverse matchups suggests an attempt to cater to a wide range of fan interests within the mixed martial arts community.
However, the official announcement includes a standard disclaimer stating that the fight card, bout order, and the total number of fights remain subject to change. Consequently, while the core lineup and venue are confirmed, the final configuration of the event may undergo adjustments prior to the scheduled date.
This event represents a significant logistical undertaking for the UFC, requiring coordination of international travel and broadcasting rights for the region. The confirmation of the date and location provides a clear framework for local promoters and international audiences to anticipate the return of the sport to Azerbaijan.
