UFC Set for Historic Debut in Azerbaijan on June 21 with Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Headliner

LockerRoom Team

15 Apr 2025

UFC is officially heading to Azerbaijan for the first time, with a landmark event scheduled for June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall. The main event of this UFC Fight Night will feature a high-stakes light heavyweight clash between former champion Jamahal Hill and No. 7-ranked contender Khalil Rountree Jr.

The event, held in partnership with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, underscores the country’s growing global sports profile. Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 25, via iTicket, with early access for UFC Fight Club members starting Wednesday, April 23.

UFC President Dana White praised Baku's sporting history and said, “Azerbaijan was a natural next destination. I’m excited to bring UFC here on June 21.”

Adding to the excitement, Kyoji Horiguchi makes his long-awaited UFC return against Tagir Ulanbekov, marking a crucial moment for Japanese MMA. Horiguchi, a former Bellator and Rizin champion, looks to climb the UFC flyweight rankings in his comeback.

The fight card also includes:

• Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight)
• Ismail Naurdiev vs. Junyong Park (Middleweight)
• Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman (Heavyweight)
• Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Sygula (Bantamweight)
• Daria Zhelezniakova vs. Melissa Mullins (Bantamweight)

The card will showcase rising international stars and celebrate the emergence of Azerbaijani talent on the UFC stage, following the success of fighters like Rafael Fiziev.