The UFC is ready for a historic debut in Azerbaijan, and native hero Nazim Sadykhov can be front and center. Sadykhov, probably the most promising lightweights within the UFC, has officially announced a showdown with Brazil’s Nikolas Motta at UFC Baku on June twenty first, a matchup that not only excites local fans but in addition adds firepower to an already stacked card at Baku Crystal Hall.
Sadykhov’s Homecoming: A Star Returns to Baku
Nazim “Black Wolf” Sadykhov’s journey comes full circle as he returns to his birthplace for the largest fight of his profession. Born in Baku but raised in Brooklyn, Sadykhov has at all times maintained a powerful connection to his Azerbaijani roots. Now, with a 10-1-1 skilled record and a popularity for highlight-reel finishes, he gets the prospect to perform in front of a house crowd.
Sadykhov’s UFC run has been impressive, with recent wins over Ismael Bonfim and Terrance McKinney showcasing his knockout power and submission skills. His only loss got here early in his profession, and he’s since evolved right into a dangerous, well-rounded contender. Facing Nikolas Motta, Sadykhov will look to increase his winning streak and make a press release within the lightweight division.
The matchup itself guarantees fireworks. Motta, known for his aggressive striking, will test Sadykhov’s chin and composure. Fans and pundits alike expect an all-action affair, with each men possessing quick counters and a willingness to have interaction. For Sadykhov, a win in Baku could propel him toward ranked opposition and solidify his status as considered one of the division’s most fun prospects.
Primary Event: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
While Sadykhov’s bout will draw local attention, the predominant event incorporates a pivotal light heavyweight clash between former champion Jamahal Hill and the surging Khalil Rountree Jr.. Hill, trying to rebound from a knockout loss to Jiří Procházka, faces a dangerous striker in Rountree, who hasn’t fought since his defeat to Alex Pereira in late 2024.
This matchup carries major implications for the sunshine heavyweight title picture. Each fighters are ranked in the highest ten, and a press release win in Baku could put the victor in line for a title eliminator later this yr. Expect a high-stakes, high-impact contest as each men look to reestablish themselves among the many division’s elite.
Co-Primary Event: Kyoji Horiguchi Returns Against Tagir Ulanbekov
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One other major storyline is the UFC return of Kyoji Horiguchi, a former title challenger and considered one of Japan’s most decorated MMA exports. Horiguchi faces Russia’s Tagir Ulanbekov in a flyweight bout that pits veteran savvy against youthful momentum.
Horiguchi, who has captured titles in Bellator and RIZIN, is 7-1 within the UFC and brings a wealth of experience. Ulanbekov, meanwhile, is a tricky Dagestani grappler with a 16-2 record and is wanting to claim a marquee win over a legend. This fight is a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup and will have major ramifications for the flyweight rankings.
Heavyweight Showdowns: Blaydes, Kuniev, Abdelwahab, and Usman
The Baku card may also showcase heavyweight motion, with Curtis Blaydes taking up UFC newcomer Rizvan Kuniev. Blaydes, a perennial contender, looks to spoil the debut of Kuniev, a Dana White’s Contender Series graduate who brings a powerful grappling pedigree.
Elsewhere, Hamdy Abdelwahab returns from suspension to face Mohammed Usman in one other heavyweight clash. Abdelwahab’s Olympic wrestling background and Usman’s power make this a fight to observe for fans of massive finishes and potential recent contenders.
Lightweight Banger: Fiziev vs. Bahamondes
Rounding out the cardboard, Rafael Fiziev is ready to battle Ignacio Bahamondes in a light-weight contest that guarantees high-paced striking and technical brilliance. Fiziev, known for his Muay Thai prowess, and Bahamondes, a rangy and inventive striker, could steal the show with Fight of the Night potential.
UFC Baku marks the promotion’s first foray into Azerbaijan, a region with a wealthy combat sports heritage. UFC President Dana White has called the event a “natural next destination” given the realm’s history and the growing roster of talent from the Caucasus. For local fans, the prospect to see Nazim Sadykhov and other regional fighters on home soil is a dream come true.
With a mix of established stars, rising prospects, and native heroes, UFC Baku is shaping up as probably the most intriguing cards of 2025. As fight night approaches, anticipation is constructing for what might be a landmark event in each Azerbaijani and UFC history.
