DOJO News
The UFC returns to Baku, Azerbaijan, this weekend with one of its most internationally stacked Fight Night cards of 2026. Officially titled UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres (also known as UFC Fight Night 280), the event is headlined by hometown hero Rafael Fiziev against dangerous Mexican contender Manuel Torres in a pivotal lightweight showdown.
With six main card bouts, seven preliminary fights, and several ranked contenders in action, UFC Baku promises an exciting night for fans around the world. The event marks the promotion’s second visit to Azerbaijan and continues its long-term partnership to host annual UFC events in Baku through 2028.
When Is UFC Baku: Fiziev vs. Torres?
UFC Baku takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.
UFC Baku Start Time
- Preliminary Card: 8:00 AM (GMT-5)
- Main Card: 11:00 AM (GMT-5)
Fans in the United States can watch both the prelims and main card live on Paramount+.
Where Is UFC Baku Taking Place?
The event will be held inside the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Fight Night represents the UFC’s second trip to the Azerbaijani capital after debuting in the country in 2025. It also serves as another step in the organization’s effort to expand into one of the fastest-growing MMA regions in the world.
Who Is Fighting in the UFC Baku Main Event?
The main event features No. 11-ranked lightweight Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev against No. 15-ranked Manuel “El Loco” Torres.
For Fiziev, this fight is an opportunity to return to winning ways in front of his home fans after facing some of the toughest competition in the lightweight division. The explosive striker has shared the Octagon with elite names including Justin Gaethje, Mateusz Gamrot and Rafael dos Anjos.
Torres enters as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. The Mexican has earned a reputation for ending fights quickly and could move into title contention with the biggest victory of his career.
Why Is Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres Important?
The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s deepest weight classes, making every ranked matchup significant.
A victory for Fiziev would keep him firmly in the rankings while reigniting his push toward another run at the Top 10. Meanwhile, Torres has the opportunity to score a career-defining upset over a proven contender and establish himself as a legitimate threat in the division.
Who Is Fighting in the UFC Baku Co-Main Event?
The co-main event features fan favorite Shara “Bullet” Magomedov against Brazilian veteran Michel Pereira.
Both middleweights are known for spectacular striking and highlight-reel finishes, making this one of the most anticipated bouts on the entire card. With title aspirations still alive for both men, a statement victory could move either fighter closer to the Top 10.
Which Fighters Should Fans Watch at UFC Baku?
Beyond the headline attractions, UFC Baku includes several intriguing matchups featuring rising contenders.
Lightweight prospect Nazim Sadykhov looks to continue his climb against Matheus Camilo, while flyweight contender Asu Almabayev meets veteran Charles Johnson in an important rankings battle.
Elsewhere, dangerous middleweights Ikram Aliskerov, Brunno Ferreira, Abus Magomedov, and Michał Oleksiejczuk all compete on a stacked main card loaded with finishing potential.
UFC Baku Full Fight Card (June 2026)
Main Card
- Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres (Lightweight)
- Shara Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira (Middleweight)
- Nazim Sadykhov vs. Matheus Camilo (Lightweight)
- Asu Almabayev vs. Charles Johnson (Flyweight)
- Ikram Aliskerov vs. Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
- Abus Magomedov vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Preliminary Card
- Farman Hasanov vs. Eric Nolan
- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Julius Walker
- Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Andrey Pulyaev
- Kaan Ofli vs. Javier Reyes
- Daniil Donchenko vs. Theodor Berggren
- Bekzat Almakhan vs. Jean Matsumoto
- Tahir Abdullayev vs. Jefferson Nascimento
Which Fight Could Steal the Show?
While all eyes will be on Fiziev and Torres, several bouts have Fight of the Night potential.
Shara Magomedov versus Michel Pereira is expected to deliver fireworks thanks to the striking styles of both competitors, while Nazim Sadykhov’s bout with Matheus Camilo could become one of the most exciting lightweight contests of the year.
How to Watch UFC Baku: Fiziev vs. Torres
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan
Prelims: 8:00 AM (GMT-5)
Main Card: 11:00 AM (GMT-5)
U.S. Broadcast: Paramount+
Final Thoughts
UFC Baku features an excellent blend of established contenders, undefeated prospects, hometown stars and international talent. With Rafael Fiziev carrying the hopes of the local crowd against the dangerous Manuel Torres, and an explosive co-main event between Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira, fans should expect an action-packed afternoon from Azerbaijan.
Whether you’re tuning in for the lightweight main event or the stacked supporting card, UFC Baku has all the ingredients to become one of the standout Fight Night events of 2026.
