Ali Akbar Rosady
Baku, Azerbaijan – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) confirmed its full fight card for Saturday’s highly anticipated event in Baku, Azerbaijan, after all 26 athletes successfully made weight during Friday’s official weigh-ins. The meticulous process concluded without incident, clearing the path for a compelling night of mixed martial arts action at the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Concert Complex. The ceremonial weigh-ins, providing fans a final face-off opportunity, were broadcast globally, commencing at 9 a.m. ET.
The main event features a pivotal lightweight clash between the formidable Rafael Fiziev, representing a region geographically and culturally close to Azerbaijan, and the surging Mexican contender Manuel Torres. Both fighters meticulously hit the 156-pound non-title lightweight limit, confirming their readiness for a bout that holds significant implications for the divisional rankings.
Rafael Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), a native of Kyrgyzstan with a celebrated Muay Thai background, is known for his explosive striking, relentless pace, and iron chin. Fiziev has carved a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division, holding notable victories over former champion Rafael dos Anjos, Brad Riddell, and Renato Moicano. His last outing saw him fall to former interim champion Justin Gaethje in a "Fight of the Night" performance, a contest that underscored his elite-level capabilities despite the loss. Prior to that, Fiziev had amassed a six-fight winning streak, solidifying his position among the division’s top contenders. His precision, power, and defensive acumen make him a challenging puzzle for any opponent. For Fiziev, competing in Baku carries an additional layer of significance, allowing him to fight closer to his Central Asian roots and potentially garner substantial support from the local fight community.
Opposite him stands Manuel Torres (14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC), a dynamic and aggressive fighter who has rapidly made his mark in the UFC. Torres, hailing from Chihuahua, Mexico, possesses a high-finish rate with 10 knockouts and 3 submissions among his professional victories. He enters this main event bout on a three-fight winning streak, showcasing devastating power and an unrelenting offensive style. His most recent performance was a first-round knockout victory over Nikolas Motta, a clear demonstration of his ability to end fights decisively. Torres’s rapid ascent through the lightweight ranks positions him as a legitimate threat, and a victory over a ranked opponent like Fiziev would undoubtedly propel him into the upper echelon of the division. The stylistic clash between Fiziev’s technical striking and Torres’s aggressive, finishing-oriented approach promises a high-octane affair, with both fighters known for their willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges.
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The co-main event is set to deliver another compelling stylistic matchup in the middleweight division, pitting the undefeated "fan favorite" Shara Magomedov against the unpredictable "action fighter" Michel Pereira. Both men successfully met the 186-pound middleweight limit, Magomedov weighing in at 186 pounds and Pereira at 185.5 pounds.
Shara Magomedov (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), widely known as "Bullet," brings an intriguing presence to the Octagon. The Russian striker, who often employs a hands-down, unique style, made a successful UFC debut with a dominant unanimous decision victory. His professional record is unblemished, built on a foundation of powerful kicks and precise striking. Magomedov’s career has garnered significant attention, not only for his fighting prowess but also for his resilience, having adapted his style following a severe eye injury earlier in his career. His "fan favorite" status stems from his distinctive approach and the undeniable excitement he brings to his bouts.
Facing Magomedov is Michel Pereira (30-11 MMA, 8-2 UFC), a Brazilian known as "Demolidor," whose acrobatic and unorthodox fighting style has made him a perennial highlight-reel fixture. Pereira, a BJJ black belt with explosive striking, has been on an impressive run, currently riding a six-fight winning streak. He recently transitioned from the welterweight division to middleweight, proving his versatility and power in a higher weight class. Pereira’s fights are often characterized by unexpected movements, flying attacks, and a willingness to engage in wild exchanges, earning him the moniker of an "action fighter." This co-main event presents a classic clash of styles: Magomedov’s calculated aggression and unique striking against Pereira’s flamboyant, unpredictable, and powerful arsenal.
Beyond the headlining acts, the UFC Baku main card features several other significant matchups across various divisions, all confirmed following the weigh-ins:
- Nazim Sadykhov (156) vs. Matheus Camilo (156): A lightweight encounter featuring two promising talents looking to make their mark. Sadykhov (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has shown considerable grappling prowess, while Camilo (10-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut after a strong regional circuit run, eager to prove himself on the global stage. Both fighters hit the 156-pound limit.
- Asu Almabayev (126) vs. Charles Johnson (125.5): This flyweight bout promises high-paced action. Almabayev (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) from Kazakhstan, known for his wrestling and ground game, will look to continue his impressive winning streak against Charles Johnson (14-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC), a veteran who consistently delivers competitive fights. Both fighters made the 126-pound flyweight limit.
- Ikram Aliskerov (186) vs. Brunno Ferreira (185): A middleweight clash that guarantees fireworks. Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), a Dagestani sambo specialist with powerful striking, has rapidly ascended the ranks since his Dana White’s Contender Series appearance. Ferreira (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), a Brazilian knockout artist, brings explosive power to the cage, with all but one of his victories coming by finish. Both athletes were comfortably under the 186-pound limit.
- Abus Magomedov (185.5) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186): Another middleweight showdown featuring two aggressive strikers. Magomedov (26-6-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC), fighting out of Germany, is known for his fast starts and powerful striking. Oleksiejczuk (19-7-1 MMA, 7-5 UFC) from Poland, is a durable fighter with heavy hands, always pushing forward. Both fighters made the 186-pound limit, setting up a potential slugfest.
The preliminary card, also broadcast on Paramount+ starting at 9 a.m. ET, adds further depth to the event with a lineup of international talent:
- Farman Hasanov (170.5) vs. Eric Nolan (170.5): A welterweight contest.
- Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (206) vs. Julius Walker (206): A light heavyweight clash.
- Nursulton Ruziboev (186) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (186): A middleweight bout.
- Kaan Ofli (146) vs. Javier Reyes (145.5): A featherweight encounter.
- Daniil Donchenko (170.5) vs. Theodor Berggren (171): A welterweight fight. (Note: Theodor Berggren weighed 171 lbs, which is within the allowed non-title fight tolerance of 1 pound over the 170-pound welterweight limit.)
- Bekzat Almakhan (136) vs. Jean Matsumoto (135.5): A bantamweight bout.
- Tahir Abdullayev (170.5) vs. Jefferson Nascimento (171): Another welterweight contest. (Note: Jefferson Nascimento weighed 171 lbs, within the allowed non-title fight tolerance.)
The successful completion of the weigh-ins signals the readiness of all competitors to engage in what promises to be an electrifying night of fights. The UFC’s expansion into new territories like Azerbaijan underscores the global appeal and growth of mixed martial arts, bringing world-class competition to diverse fan bases. With all formalities concluded, the focus now shifts entirely to the Octagon, where athletes will vie for victory and advancement within their respective divisions on Saturday. Highlights of the official weigh-ins were made available by UFC, allowing fans to revisit the final preparations before fight night.
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