UFC Hosts First Fight Card in Baku Featuring Hill-Rountree Main Event

The UFC is hosting its first event in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 21 at Baku Crystal Hall, headlined by a light heavyweight main event between former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and recent title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. Both fighters are coming off knockout losses and are aiming to return to title contention, making the matchup highly anticipated. The event will feature a total of twelve bouts, including a co-main event with hometown favorite Rafael Fiziev facing rising star Ignacio Bahamondes in lightweight action. UFC Baku will air on ABC and ESPN platforms, starting with prelims at noon ET and the main card at 2 p.m. ET. Betting odds show Rountree as a slight favorite despite Hill's more distinguished record, reflecting the uncertainty around both fighters' recent performances. The event marks a significant expansion for the UFC into new international territory with a compelling fight card and strong local interest.