UFC to Return to Azerbaijan in a Multi-Year Partnership With Baku City Circuit

UFC FIGHT NIGHT BAKU to be held Saturday, June 27

LAS VEGAS & BAKU, Azerbaijan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku City Circuit Operations Company (BCC), today announced a multi-year agreement that will bring UFC Fight Nights once a year to Baku through 2028, starting with UFC FIGHT NIGHT BAKU on Saturday, June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Following an incredible sold-out debut event in front of more than 14,000 fans at the Baku Crystal Hall last June, it was clear the appetite for MMA in the region was stronger than ever. Meeting in Las Vegas, UFC President and CEO, Dana White, and Minister of Youth and Sports Azerbaijan Farid Gayibov, discussed the successes of UFC’s debut event and how this partnership will grow in the coming years.

Dana White, UFC President and CEO, said, "Baku is one of the best cities in the world to visit, It’s beautiful and home to some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet. I was completely blown away when I visited last year. The hospitality was next level, and the fans were incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the sport. Fans from all over the world should come experience it!!”

Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said, “Securing a multi-year partnership with UFC marks a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s strategy to solidify its status as a premier global sports destination. Building on a proven track record of hosting elite events—from the inaugural European Games to Formula 1—this collaboration is set to accelerate the development of mixed martial arts and unlock new horizons for Azerbaijani athletes and competitors from across the region. With UFC now a staple of Baku’s vibrant sporting calendar, our national fighters gain a prestigious platform to showcase their prowess on the international stage, competing before a passionate home crowd. This partnership further underscores Azerbaijan’s unwavering capacity to deliver high-impact, world-class sporting spectacles to a global audience."

Maqsud Farzullayev, General Director of Baku City Circuit Operations Company, added, “Following the incredible sold-out reception of last year’s UFC debut, we are thrilled to extend our partnership and bring Fight Nights back to Baku. This year, we are witnessing exceptionally strong regional demand, with a notable increase in inbound visitors. We are confident the event will be even larger and more spectacular, delivering significant value for the city while offering an unforgettable experience for attendees.”

To stay up to date with all the event news and gain early access tickets, fans are advised to register their interest at UFC.com/Baku and follow @UFC on social media for all the latest UFC updates.

About UFC®

UFC® is the world's premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 353 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while distributing programming to more than 1 billion broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries and territories. UFC's athlete roster features the world's best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization's digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world's leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About BCC

Baku City Circuit Operation Company (BCC) is the leading organizer of major international sporting events in Azerbaijan and the official promoter of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the world’s biggest motorsport championship, attracting top drivers and millions of fans globally. Since 2025, BCC has been the official organizer of UFC events in Azerbaijan.

Operating to the highest international standards, BCC oversees the planning and delivery of large-scale sporting and entertainment events, ensuring seamless operations. BCC continues to position Azerbaijan as one of the premier destinations for international competitions.

For more information, visit azerbaijangp.com and follow BCC on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok @BCC.