“We’ve never been to Spain, so we’re gonna go to Spain… I’m looking to go into Africa for the first time. We have a champion from South Africa. So I’m looking to go everywhere on this planet.” UFC head honcho Dana White declared in 2024, reinforcing his vision to take the UFC to new global destinations. Last year saw the promotion host its first-ever event in Saudi Arabia with UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov which marked a significant milestone in the promotion’s international expansion. Moreover, the company is making its return to the iconic city of Montreal after a 10-year hiatus with UFC 315 scheduled for May 10 this year. Talk about a global footprint!
Up next, excitement is at a fever pitch for the promotion’s long-awaited debut in Spain or South Africa—two nations boasting dominant champions. The soon-to-be former 145lbs champ Ilia Topuria and 185lbs kingpin Dricus Du Plessis have White has assured both that events in their home countries are on the horizon. In August 2024, White declared, “If he can beat Izzy and bring that belt back to South Africa, we will do an event there.” ‘Stillknocks’ delivered on his end, fueling anticipation for the UFC to follow through.
However, in a surprising twist, it appears that the company’s next international stop isn’t Topuria or Du Plessis’s motherland—but Azerbaijan. Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently reported that the promotion is eyeing its first-ever event in the Land of Fire. According to ‘Home of Fight’, citing Helwani as a source, “The UFC is rumored to be heading to Azerbaijan for the first time, sometime in June.” Although no one has confirmed an official date, the mere possibility has already stirred intrigue among fight fans.
For some, Azerbaijan may seem like an unexpected choice, but strategically, it makes perfect sense. The UFC already has two Azerbaijani fighters on its roster—Rafael Fiziev and Nazim Sadykhov—and the country’s location between Dagestan and Georgia presents a unique advantage. With Russia currently off-limits for UFC events, Azerbaijan offers an ideal alternative as a regional hub, drawing in passionate fans from both Dagestan and Georgia while also showcasing the rising MMA talent from the host nation itself.
This rumored UFC event in Azerbaijan has already sparked significant excitement. Now, fans have one pressing demand—let’s dive into what it is.
What are fans demanding from Dana White & Co. ahead of the rumored UFC Azerbaijan event?
Earlier this month, UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev became a savior for Dana White and the promotion when he stepped in on short notice to fight the No. 3 ranked contender, Justin Gaethje. This was after Dan Hooker had to pull out of UFC 313 due to a hand injury. Despite giving a strong performance, ‘Ataman’ couldn’t get past ‘The Highlight’, who ultimately took the judges’ scorecards. Still, Fiziev’s effort was one of the best of his career.
For Azerbaijani fans, however, they still want to see their local hero. One fan echoed the sentiment in a comment asking Dana White & UFC, “Fiziev main event, babyyy!” Another fan proposed a matchup between Fiziev and rising UFC star Mauricio Ruffy, who also fought on the same card and delivered a tremendous performance against King Green. The fan commented, “Fiziev vs Ruffy 5-round main event.”
March 8, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, Nv, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 8:Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev meet in the octagon for a 3-round co-main event bout at UFC313 – Pereira vs Ankalaev at T-Mobile Arena on March 8, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada /PxImages Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20250308_zsa_p175_220 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
In the Caucasus region, Russia has the most fighters, like Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. But due to political tensions over the Ukraine-Russia war and the Chechen warlord’s ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the UFC hasn’t been to the country since 2019. Moreover, fans are more supportive of the UFC’s decision to potentially host an event in Azerbaijan, with one fan declaring, “Good move.” It’s not just Rafael Fiziev fans who want a big matchup; some also want to see an intense rivalry between Fiziev and Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan, as the two countries have a bitter history.
One fan expressed this in a comment, “Fiziev vs Tsarukyan,” while another fan went even further, commenting, “Petition to put all active Armenian fighters on this card.” Although ‘Ataman’s career has faced setbacks, with a three-fight losing streak and a long hiatus due to injury, he recently hinted at moving down to the featherweight division. One fan asked Dana White, “Fiziev featherweight debut, please,” while another added, “So that was the news Fiziev teased.”
However, Rafael Fiziev isn’t the only Azerbaijani fighter in the UFC. Lightweight contender Nazim Sadykhov, who boasts an undefeated 5-0-1 record in the promotion, is quickly becoming one of the most promoted rising stars. One fan suggested to Dana White & Co., “Fiziev – Main Event, Sadykhov – Co-Main, that would be fire!”
What do you think of the rumored UFC event in Azerbaijan? Will this location draw in fans from Armenia, Dagestan, Russia, and Georgia, creating a massive crowd? Share your thoughts below!
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