UFC to host its first event in Azerbaijan

BAKU: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, will make its debut in Azerbaijan with a main event featuring former UFC light heavyweight champion and No. 4-ranked contender Jamahal Hill against No. 7-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr.

In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, the UFC event will be on Saturday, June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall.

The partnership was announced at a signing ceremony with Dana White, the UFC president and CEO, and Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov in Miami before UFC 314 last Saturday.

“Azerbaijan and the city of Baku have an incredible history of hosting massive global sporting events,” White said. “We have so many great athletes from in and around this country that it was a natural next destination for us. I’m excited to have our debut event there on June 21.”

Gayibov emphasized the significance of the event in advancing Azerbaijan’s role in the international sports community.

“Hosting UFC in Baku marks another significant milestone in our efforts to develop Azerbaijan as a regional sports leader,” he said. “Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s unwavering support and attention, along with his successful sports policy, Azerbaijan has gained international recognition in the world of sports — and the city of Baku has established itself as a key hub for major global sporting events.

“This partnership with UFC further strengthens our reputation as a global sports hub, showcasing our commitment to sports development and international cooperation.”

Former champion Hill (12-3 1NC, from Michigan, US) aims to make a quick return to the Octagon for his second bout of 2025. The