UFC to Hold Fights in Baku Through 2028 Following Multi-Year Agreement
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has secured a long-term partnership with Azerbaijan, extending its presence in Baku through 2028. The agreement, signed between the UFC, the Azerbaijani government, and the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company, follows a successful 2025 debut at Baku Crystal Hall, which attracted approximately 14,000 attendees. The next UFC event under the new deal is scheduled for June 27th at Azerbaijan’s National Gymnastics Arena.
UFC President Dana White, alongside Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov and BCC CEO Magsud Farzullayev, formalized the agreement in Las Vegas. White highlighted Baku’s appeal, citing its beauty, welcoming people, and passionate fan base. Gayibov stated that the partnership represents a key step in Azerbaijan’s ambition to become a premier global sports destination, providing a platform for national fighters.
Farzullayev noted the positive reception of the initial UFC event and expressed enthusiasm for returning with Fight Nights. Upcoming fight cards are expected to include a double-header featuring Daghestani fighter Abusupiyan Magomedov and Polish fighter Michał Oleksiejczuk, alongside matches between Brazilian fighter Michel Pereira and Shara Magomedov. Azerbaijan’s investment in international sporting events, including Formula 1 and UEFA championships, is supported by significant oil revenues.
The country’s sporting landscape is heavily influenced by government officials, with President Ilham Aliyev leading the National Olympic Committee and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, heading the Gymnastics Federation. This expansion of the UFC’s operations in baku marks a significant development for the organization and the country.
Topics: #baku #ufc #fights
This is a significant step for the UFC and a welcome development for sports fans in Azerbaijan.