The UFC and Azerbaijan have agreed to bring a Fight Night to Baku every year through 2028. The deal begins with a card on Saturday, June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena.
Multi-year deal and schedule
The promotion announced a multi-year partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku City Circuit Operations Company. Under the deal, the UFC will hold an annual Fight Night in Baku through 2028.
The first event under the agreement is set for Saturday, June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena. The UFC’s debut in Azerbaijan last June took place at Baku Crystal Hall and sold out, drawing more than 14,000 fans.
Fights on the card
The expected headliner for UFC Fight Night Baku is a middleweight bout between Abusupiyan Magomedov and Michał Oleksiejczuk. The co-main event is set to feature Shara Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira. The card is already eight fights deep on paper.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Khalil Rountree Jr. | Defeated Jamahal Hill (last June) |
| Jamahal Hill | Lost to Khalil Rountree Jr. (last June) |
| Abusupiyan Magomedov | Booked to fight Michał Oleksiejczuk on June 27 |
| Michał Oleksiejczuk | Booked to fight Abusupiyan Magomedov on June 27 |
| Shara Magomedov | Booked to fight Michel Pereira on June 27 |
| Michel Pereira | Booked to fight Shara Magomedov on June 27 |
Comments from leaders
UFC President and CEO Dana White met with Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov in Las Vegas to finalize the deal. White praised Baku, saying, “Baku is one of the best cities in the world to visit. It’s beautiful and home to some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet. I was completely blown away when I visited last year. The hospitality was next level, and the fans were incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the sport.”
Gayibov called the partnership a major step for Azerbaijan. He said the deal will help make the country a top sports destination and will give national fighters a chance to perform in front of home crowds through 2028.
Baku City Circuit General Director Maqsud Farzullayev added that demand for the return has already outpaced last year. He said regional demand is very strong and that more visitors are expected for the next event.
Tickets and next steps
Fans can register for early ticket access at UFC.com/Baku. The promotion and local partners say they will share more bout announcements and details in the coming weeks.
The multi-year deal puts the UFC alongside other major events already held in Baku, including Formula 1 races and the inaugural European Games. The annual Fight Night will give local fighters regular opportunities to compete in front of their home fans through 2028.
