The international expansion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship continues at pace. Tomorrow, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization returns to Azerbaijan for UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres (also known as UFC Fight Night 280). Ringing in the weekend on June 27, 2026, the action will unfold inside the state-of-the-art National Gymnastics Arena in the capital city of Baku.
This isn't just another stop on the global tour. This marks the UFC's second-ever trip to Baku—following the success of UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. in June 2025. More importantly, it kicks off a highly anticipated multi-year partnership between the promotion, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company. Fight fans in the region can rejoice: this agreement guarantees a major UFC Fight Night event will land in Baku annually through at least 2028.
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Venue: National Gymnastics Arena — Baku, Azerbaijan
Live Stream: In an interesting broadcast update for this international card, both the preliminary card and the main card will be streaming live exclusively on Paramount+. Keep your eyes on local listings for exact local fight times, as the time zone difference in Baku typically means an afternoon broadcast for North American viewers and a prime-time treat for European fans.
You can also watch the UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs Torres event for free on mmastream.
The marquee attraction features an absolute blockbuster in the 155-pound lightweight division. Top-tier kickboxer Rafael Fiziev takes on the surging, dangerous finisher Manuel Torres.
For Fiziev, this headliner carries massive emotional weight. Though born in Kazakhstan, he represents Azerbaijan on the global stage, making this an authentic homecoming bout. Known for his Matrix-like head movement and blistering muay-thai striking combinations, Fiziev needs a signature win to protect his ranking and launch himself back into the lightweight title conversation.
Standing across from him is Manuel Torres, a fighter who has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most terrifying multi-dimensional threats in the division.
Torres doesn't get paid by the hour; he enters the pocket looking for a swift conclusion, relying on explosive punching power and sharp killer instincts. Expect a tactical chess match played at a hyper-accelerated speed, where a single mistake will likely result in a highlight-reel finish.
Beyond the headliner, the main card is absolutely stacked with intriguing stylistic matchups. The co-main event features a middleweight clash that guarantees pure chaos: the undefeated, elite striker Sharabutdin "Shara Bullet" Magomedov squares off against the relentlessly unpredictable Michel Pereira. When Pereira’s acrobatic, high-flying offense meets Magomedov’s pinpoint, lethal kicking game, fireworks are guaranteed.
Local favorite Nazim Sadykhov also returns to action against Matheus Camilo in a lightweight bout that promises high-octane striking volume. Additionally, top flyweight contender Asu Almabayev takes on the incredibly durable veteran Charles Johnson, a fight with massive implications for the 125-pound divisional rankings.
Planning international events of this scale rarely happens without some late-stage drama, and UFC Baku had its fair share of shakeups.
The main card originally featured a middleweight clash between Abusupiyan Magomedov and Michał Oleksiejczuk as a potential headliner rumor, but the bout was ultimately moved to open up the main card.
The injury bug hit harder elsewhere. Former title challenger Marvin Vettori was locked in to face Ismail Naurdiev, but Vettori was forced to withdraw in late May after suffering a broken rib during training camp, causing the bout to be scrapped entirely.
Furthermore, a welterweight clash saw Sweden's Andreas Gustafsson pull out after a medical scare involving atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and recurring heart rushes. Stepping up on short notice to replace him against Daniil Donchenko is promotional newcomer Theodor Berggren. Lastly, a heavyweight collision between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune was pushed back a month to UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr.
Despite the shuffles, the 13-fight lineup locked in for Baku is incredibly deep, presenting a perfect blend of elite international contenders and rising regional stars.
