Lightweight contenders Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres will headline UFC Fight Night at the Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The five-round main event is crucial for both fighters as they seek to improve their standing in the division's top 15.
>>> Mayo Defeats Cork to Reach All-Ireland SFC Semi-Finals
Fiziev, who represents Azerbaijan, returns to the venue where he defeated Ignacio Bahamondes last June. He aims to build on that victory after a period of inconsistent results.
Torres holds a combined 6-1 record in the UFC and Dana White's Contender Series.
His only loss came via first-round stoppage against Bahamondes in 2024, but he has since rebounded with two knockout wins totaling just 4 minutes and 10 seconds of fight time.
Betting lines shifted late in the week, with Torres becoming a slight favorite after Fiziev had been favored for most of the buildup.
Both fighters successfully made weight at Friday's official weigh-ins.
Co-Main Event and Other Bouts
The co-main event features a middleweight bout between Russian striker Shara Magomedov and Brazilian Michel Pereira. Security intervened after a heated exchange during ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday.
>>> New Zealand Takes 204-Run Lead Over England in Third Test
A Sportsnet analysis panel provided breakdowns for several matchups on the card.
They noted that preliminary bouts like Yakhyaev vs. Walker are unlikely to go the distance, while Aliskerov's well-rounded skills could lead to a submission against Ferreira.
Regarding the co-main event, the panel acknowledged Pereira's explosiveness but favored Magomedov's dynamic striking.
They also highlighted Almabaev's wrestling advantage over Charles Johnson and Oleksiejczuk's experience as an underdog against Abus Magomedov.
For the main event, the panel pointed out that Torres has finishing ability, but Fiziev's foot and hand speed could be decisive if Torres repeats mistakes from his loss to Bahamondes.
>>> Jey Uso vs Oba Femi: King of the Ring Final Set for Night of Champions
The panel ultimately picked Fiziev as an underdog pick after the line flip.
