UFC to Host First Event in Baku, Azerbaijan Featuring Hill vs. Rountree Jr in The Headliner

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In a groundbreaking announcement, the UFC is set to host its first-ever event in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the world's leading mixed martial arts organization.

This historic event, scheduled for June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall, is a collaboration between the UFC, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company.

The highlight of the evening will be a much-anticipated fight between former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., who are ranked No. 4 and No. 7 respectively.

The signing ceremony that unveiled this partnership took place in Miami, featuring Dana White, the UFC President and CEO, and Farid Gayibov, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan.

This ceremony occurred just before UFC 314: VOLKANOVSKI vs. LOPES last weekend, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic showdown. White expressed his excitement about bringing the UFC to Azerbaijan, citing the country's rich history of hosting global sporting events and its pool of talented athletes as key factors in choosing Baku as the next destination for a UFC event.

When and how to book tickets for UFC Baku 2025?

Tickets for the UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HILL vs. ROUNTREE JR are set to go on sale on April 25 via iTicket, with early access for Fight Club members and those who expressed early interest in the event. This ensures that fans have the opportunity to secure their spot at this historic occasion.

The contributions and support from Azerbaijani officials have been pivotal in bringing this event to fruition. Minister Farid Gayibov highlighted the importance of this event in bolstering Azerbaijan's status as a regional sports leader, emphasizing the country's achievements in the international sports arena thanks to the support and sports policy of President Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, has increasingly become a hub for major global sporting events, further cemented by this partnership with the UFC. Adding to the anticipation, Maqsud Farzullaev, the General Director of the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, shared his enthusiasm for this collaboration.

Following their successful partnership with Formula 1, hosting a UFC event is a significant leap forward for Baku, showcasing the city's world-class facilities and enhancing Azerbaijan's prominence in global sports.

The main event features Jamahal Hill, a former Dana White's Contender Series alum and undisputed UFC champion, aiming for a triumphant return to the Octagon. Hill, fighting out of Michigan, United States, has a record of 12-3 1NC and is keen on making a statement against Rountree Jr. to eye the championship picture once more.

On the other hand, Rountree Jr., hailing from Nevada, United States, with a record of 14-6 1NC, is determined to climb the rankings with another standout performance, following his Fight of the Night effort against Alex Pereira at UFC 307.

Kyoji Horiguchi returns to UFC

Furthermore, the event will feature the highly anticipated return of former UFC flyweight title contender Kyoji Horiguchi. After a hiatus, Horiguchi is back, aiming to become the first Japanese UFC champion.

He faces No. 10-ranked flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov, a pupil of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Horiguchi's comeback is a testament to the resurgence of Japanese talent in the UFC, with Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, lauding his return and the rising tide of MMA in Japan.

Horiguchi himself expressed his determination to win the UFC belt, starting with his fight against Ulanbekov in Baku. This event not only showcases top-tier athletes but also underscores UFC's commitment to expanding its global footprint, bringing high-caliber MMA action to new markets and audiences.

The fight card for this landmark event in Baku is stacked with compelling matchups across various weight classes, promising an unforgettable night of MMA action. From heavyweights to bantamweights, fighters from around the globe will converge in Azerbaijan, reflecting the international appeal and diversity of talent within the UFC.

This inaugural UFC event in Baku represents a significant step forward for mixed martial arts, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and the strategic expansion of the UFC's global brand.

With top-ranked fighters, emerging talents, and the return of seasoned veterans, UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HILL vs. ROUNTREE JR is set to be a milestone event, further solidifying Baku's status as a premier destination for international sporting events.

UFC Baku 2025 Fight Card

• Light Heavyweight Bout: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
• Flyweight Bout: Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
• Women's Bantamweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Syguła
• Women's Bantamweight Bout: Dariya Zheleznyakova vs. Melissa Mullins
• Heavyweight Bout: Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman
• Middleweight Bout: Ismail Naurdiev vs. Park Jun-yong
• Heavyweight Bout: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev