On June 21, 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host its inaugural event in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the renowned Baku Crystal Hall. The highly anticipated fight night, titled “UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr.”, will showcase a thrilling main event featuring former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, currently ranked No. 4, as he faces off against No. 7 ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. Fans can tune into the event at a special time, with preliminaries commencing at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT, followed by the main card action beginning at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT, available on ESPN and ABC. This exciting matchup promises to captivate fans from around the world and signals a new chapter for UFC in Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.
The official weigh-in results further build anticipation for the event, confirming that both the main event fighters, Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., have made weight at 206 pounds each. The co-main event features a lightweight clash between Rafael Fiziev and Ignacio Bahamondes, both weighing in at an impressive 155.5 pounds. Other notable fights on the card include a heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev, with weights of 258 and 264.5 pounds respectively, and a catchweight showdown featuring Tofiq Musayev and Myktybek Orolbai. With a mix of fighters across various weight classes, including a women’s bantamweight bout and a dynamic heavyweight matchup, UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for fight enthusiasts, set to deliver an evening full of high-octane action from Baku.
UFC Baku: Event Overview and Timings
UFC Fight Night is set for June 21, 2025, marking the organization’s inaugural event in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event will take place at the Baku Crystal Hall, which has been chosen for its capacity to host MMA events. Prelims are scheduled to start at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, with the main card beginning at 3 PM ET/12 PM PT. UFC officials stated, “We are excited to bring UFC to Azerbaijan, providing local fans with the thrilling experience of live fights.”
This event features a highly-anticipated main event between former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and current No. 7-ranked contender Khalil Rountree Jr. Fans are eagerly expecting a competitive bout, as both fighters have exhibited explosive performances in the octagon. The fight card promises to deliver compelling matchups, with all preliminary and main card fights expected to draw significant viewer interest.
Tickets for the event are available via the official UFC website, and the promotion has highlighted this as an opportunity for fans in Azerbaijan to witness premier UFC action. The buildup has generated buzz not only for the headline fights but also for several critical prelim encounters that could influence ranking positions within the respective divisions.
Weigh-In Results for UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr.
The official weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. revealed that all athletes successfully made weight. Main event participants Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. both weighed in at 206 pounds, a crucial milestone as they prepare for their light heavyweight clash. Fight analysts remarked that the identical weight suggests a near-equal advantage heading into the contest.
Among the co-main event fighters, Rafael Fiziev weighed in at 155.5 pounds, while his opponent Ignacio Bahamondes matched the same weight. The coherence in weights across the board, including heavyweights Curtis Blaydes at 258 pounds and Rizvan Kuniev at 264.5, sets the stage for an action-packed night. UFC officials mentioned in an update: “The fighters look sharp and ready; we expect great performances from each of them based on their weigh-in results.”
The preliminaries feature notable fighters as well, with SeokHyeon Ko at 169.5 pounds, and Oban Elliott at 170.5 pounds for their welterweight bout. With all competitors focused and in shape, expectations are high for high-impact bouts that can shift current division dynamics. This day marks not only a celebration of MMA but a historic moment for fans gathered in Baku.
Summary
UFC is making its highly anticipated debut in Baku, Azerbaijan on June 21, 2025, at the Baku Crystal Hall, featuring an exciting main event between former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and No. 7 contender Khalil Rountree Jr., both weighing in at 206 pounds. The event, titled UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr., will have prelims beginning at 12pm ET/9am PT and the main card following at 3pm ET/12pm PT, available on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+. Alongside the headliners, the main card includes notable matchups such as Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes and Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev, among others. Fans are encouraged to catch all the excitement live as fighters prepare for either five or three-round bouts.
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