UFC Baku Fight Card: Full Main Card and Prelims for Fiziev vs Torres
The UFC Baku fight card features 12 bouts on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Baku Crystal Hall. Headlined by the five-round Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres lightweight main event, the lineup runs through seven main card fights and five preliminary contests. This page covers every matchup with a tale of the tape, indicative betting line, and stylistic breakdown. A complete tracker for UFC Fight Night Baku mirrors weigh-in numbers and last-minute card changes.
UFC Baku card overview
The card opens on ESPN+ at 12:00 PM ET with the five-fight prelim block and rolls straight into the main card at 3:00 PM ET. Total scheduled fighting time across all 12 bouts is 41 rounds — 36 regulation rounds on the 11 three-round bouts plus the five-round main event. The middleweight division is the most represented with four scheduled fights, reflecting the European roster's depth at 185 pounds.
UFC Baku main card
Seven fights make up the UFC Baku main card. Fights are listed in reverse order of broadcast — the main event closes the night.
Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres
Lightweight (Main Event, 5 rounds) · 5 rounds · ~5:30 PM ET
| Stat | Rafael Fiziev | Manuel Torres |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 13-4 | 17-3 |
| Country | Azerbaijan | Mexico |
| Height / Reach | 5'9" / 72" | 5'11" / 74" |
| Camp | Tiger Muay Thai | Lobo Gym |
Fiziev fights at home in front of an Azerbaijani crowd for the first time in his UFC career, and the matchup against Torres is a stylistic puzzle that rewards experience over volume. Torres has finished 15 of his 17 wins, but every previous opponent at UFC level has been a step below the elite. Fiziev has logged championship rounds against Justin Gaethje and Mateusz Gamrot. The leg-kick attrition that defined his wins over Brad Riddell and Rafael dos Anjos should slow Torres after round two and open up the body in the championship rounds.
Indicative odds: Rafael Fiziev -145 · Manuel Torres +125. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Rafael Fiziev by Decision (round 5). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Michel Pereira Lima vs Sharaputdin Magomedov
Middleweight · 3 rounds · ~5:00 PM ET
| Stat | Michel Pereira Lima | Sharaputdin Magomedov |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 32-14, 2 NC | 16-1 |
| Country | Brazil | Russia |
| Height / Reach | 6'1" / 77" | 6'3" / 79" |
| Camp | Chute Boxe Diego Lima | Eagles MMA |
Pereira Lima brings 32 wins and a wild striking style, but Magomedov is a measured Dagestani counter-striker who has not lost since his amateur days. The reach and timing advantage favors the Russian, who should keep this on the feet and outpoint Pereira across three rounds.
Indicative odds: Michel Pereira Lima +185 · Sharaputdin Magomedov -225. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Sharaputdin Magomedov by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Brunno Ferreira vs Ikram Aliskerov
Middleweight · 3 rounds · ~4:30 PM ET
| Stat | Brunno Ferreira | Ikram Aliskerov |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 15-3 | 17-2 |
| Country | Brazil | Russia |
| Height / Reach | 5'11" / 74" | 6'0" / 75" |
| Camp | Independent | Tiger Muay Thai |
Aliskerov is the more complete fighter. His sambo base limits Ferreira's path to victory, and his right hand has finished four of his last five wins. Ferreira hits hard but tends to fade after the first round.
Indicative odds: Brunno Ferreira +170 · Ikram Aliskerov -205. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Ikram Aliskerov by TKO (round 2). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Asu Almabaev vs Charles Johnson
Flyweight · 3 rounds · ~4:00 PM ET
| Stat | Asu Almabaev | Charles Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 23-3 | 19-8 |
| Country | Kazakhstan | USA |
| Height / Reach | 5'5" / 65" | 5'8" / 71" |
| Camp | MFP Astana | Independent |
Almabaev's wrestling depth and pace are too much for Johnson, who has been outwrestled by every top-tier flyweight he has faced. Expect 12 to 15 minutes of pressure grappling and a clear decision.
Indicative odds: Asu Almabaev -280 · Charles Johnson +225. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Asu Almabaev by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev vs Julius Walker
Light Heavyweight · 3 rounds · ~3:30 PM ET
| Stat | Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev | Julius Walker |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 9-0 | 7-2 |
| Country | Turkey | USA |
| Height / Reach | 6'3" / 78" | 6'4" / 80" |
| Camp | Iridium | Independent |
Yakhyaev is 9-0 with seven stoppages and brings the better fundamentals. Walker has heavy hands but tends to load up. The Turkish prospect should manage range and break him down.
Indicative odds: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev -160 · Julius Walker +140. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev by TKO (round 2). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Ismail Naurdiev vs Marvin Vettori
Middleweight · 3 rounds · ~3:00 PM ET
| Stat | Ismail Naurdiev | Marvin Vettori |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 25-8 | 19-9-1 |
| Country | Morocco | Italy |
| Height / Reach | 6'0" / 76" | 6'0" / 74" |
| Camp | Independent | Kings MMA |
Vettori's volume, pressure, and grappling layers are too much for Naurdiev across 15 minutes. The Italian's chin has held up against the division's heaviest hitters, and Naurdiev does not punch with that authority.
Indicative odds: Ismail Naurdiev +190 · Marvin Vettori -230. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Marvin Vettori by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Abus Magomedov vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Middleweight · 3 rounds · ~2:30 PM ET
| Stat | Abus Magomedov | Michal Oleksiejczuk |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 28-7-1 | 22-9, 1 NC |
| Country | Germany | Poland |
| Height / Reach | 6'2" / 76" | 5'10" / 75" |
| Camp | Phoenix Hamburg | Berkut WCA |
Heavy power on both sides, but Oleksiejczuk's southpaw left hand has more recent finish history. Magomedov's chin has been tested. This one ends inside the first round either way.
Indicative odds: Abus Magomedov +135 · Michal Oleksiejczuk -160. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Michal Oleksiejczuk by KO (round 1). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
UFC Baku prelims
Five preliminary bouts open the broadcast at 12:00 PM ET. Full UFC Baku prelims breakdown is available on a dedicated page.
Nursulton Ruziboev vs Andrey Pulyaev
Middleweight · 3 rounds · ~2:00 PM ET
| Stat | Nursulton Ruziboev | Andrey Pulyaev |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 36-9-2, 2 NC | 10-4 |
| Country | Uzbekistan | Russia |
| Height / Reach | 6'3" / 78" | 6'0" / 74" |
| Camp | Independent | Independent |
Ruziboev is the more experienced fighter with 36 wins and a multi-discipline grappling base. Pulyaev is durable but outgunned everywhere.
Indicative odds: Nursulton Ruziboev -300 · Andrey Pulyaev +240. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Nursulton Ruziboev by Submission (round 2). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Bekzat Almakhan vs Jean Matsumoto
Bantamweight · 3 rounds · ~1:30 PM ET
| Stat | Bekzat Almakhan | Jean Matsumoto |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 12-3 | 17-2 |
| Country | Kazakhstan | Brazil |
| Height / Reach | 5'7" / 68" | 5'7" / 68" |
| Camp | MFP | Nova União |
Matsumoto's striking volume and submission threat edges Almakhan's wrestling-heavy approach over three rounds.
Indicative odds: Bekzat Almakhan +150 · Jean Matsumoto -180. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Jean Matsumoto by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Daniel Donchenko vs Andreas Gustafsson
Welterweight · 3 rounds · ~1:00 PM ET
| Stat | Daniel Donchenko | Andreas Gustafsson |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 13-2 | 12-3 |
| Country | Ukraine | Sweden |
| Height / Reach | 5'11" / 73" | 6'2" / 76" |
| Camp | Independent | Allstars Training Center |
Gustafsson's pressure and clinch work outpoint Donchenko's counter-striking.
Indicative odds: Daniel Donchenko +125 · Andreas Gustafsson -145. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Andreas Gustafsson by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Nazim Sadykhov vs Matheus Camilo
Lightweight · 3 rounds · ~12:30 PM ET
| Stat | Nazim Sadykhov | Matheus Camilo |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 11-2-1 | 10-3 |
| Country | Azerbaijan | Brazil |
| Height / Reach | 5'9" / 73" | 5'10" / 72" |
| Camp | Longo & Weidman MMA | Independent |
Sadykhov fights at home and is the more polished striker with finishing power. Camilo is a tough out but lacks the offensive output to bank rounds.
Indicative odds: Nazim Sadykhov -260 · Matheus Camilo +210. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Nazim Sadykhov by TKO (round 2). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Farman Hasanov vs Eric Nolan
Welterweight · 3 rounds · ~12:00 PM ET
| Stat | Farman Hasanov | Eric Nolan |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 8-4 |
| Country | Azerbaijan | USA |
| Height / Reach | 5'11" / 74" | 5'10" / 72" |
| Camp | Baku MMA | Independent |
Hasanov is undefeated and fights at home. Nolan is well-rounded but a touch behind on cage IQ.
Indicative odds: Farman Hasanov -170 · Eric Nolan +150. See full UFC Baku odds and betting guide.
Our pick: Farman Hasanov by Decision (round 3). Full UFC Baku predictions include method and confidence ratings for every bout.
Cancelled bout: Kuniev vs Fortune
A scheduled heavyweight bout between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune was removed from the UFC Baku fight card before fight week. The promotion did not specify a reason in its official release and no replacement was booked, leaving the final card at 12 bouts.
Weight classes represented
- Lightweight (155 lbs): 2 fights including the main event
- Welterweight (170 lbs): 2 fights
- Middleweight (185 lbs): 4 fights
- Light heavyweight (205 lbs): 1 fight
- Bantamweight (135 lbs): 1 fight
- Flyweight (125 lbs): 1 fight
External references: official UFC event page, Tapology fight database.
Key takeaways
- UFC Baku fight card has 12 confirmed bouts across seven weight classes.
- Fiziev vs Torres is the only five-round fight on the card.
- Middleweight is the dominant division with four scheduled fights.
- Three Azerbaijani fighters compete on home soil at Baku Crystal Hall.
- Kuniev vs Fortune at heavyweight was cancelled and not replaced.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fights are on the UFC Baku card?
- Twelve fights — seven on the main card and five preliminary bouts. A scheduled heavyweight bout between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune was cancelled before fight week, leaving the final UFC Baku fight card at 12 bouts across seven different weight classes.
- What is the UFC Baku main event?
- The UFC Baku main event is a five-round lightweight bout between Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres at 155 pounds. It is the only five-round fight on the card and is expected to begin around 5:30 PM ET on June 27, 2026.
- How many Azerbaijani fighters are on the UFC Baku fight card?
- Three: Rafael Fiziev in the main event, Nazim Sadykhov in a featured lightweight prelim against Matheus Camilo, and Farman Hasanov in the opening welterweight bout against Eric Nolan.
- What weight classes are represented on UFC Baku?
- The UFC Baku fight card spans seven weight classes: lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, bantamweight, flyweight, and a single light heavyweight bout. Middleweight is the most represented division with four scheduled fights.
- What fight was cancelled from UFC Baku?
- The scheduled heavyweight bout between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune was removed from the UFC Baku fight card during fight week. The official UFC release did not specify a reason. No replacement bout was added.