UFC Fight Night Baku Attracts 11,000 Fans from 72 Countries
A sold-out arena, fans from 72 countries, and impressive performances by Azerbaijani fighters made UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres one of the most memorable sporting events ever held in Baku.
Interest in the event increased significantly compared with last year. Tickets sold out in record time, and the National Gymnastics Arena reached full capacity on June 27. Nearly 11,000 tickets were sold, with approximately 40 percentpurchased by international fans. Spectators from 72 countries attended the event.
Baku's selection as the host city for a second consecutive UFC event reflects its growing importance on the organization's international calendar. The UFC stages the majority of its events in the United States, while only a limited number of European cities host Fight Night events. By welcoming UFC Fight Night for a second straight year, Baku has established itself alongside cities such as London and Paris as a key destination on the UFC's European schedule.
Azerbaijan also remains the only country in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Central Asia, and the South Caucasus to host UFC events. Across Asia, UFC events have otherwise been held only in China, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The excitement extended well beyond fight night itself. Throughout the week, Baku embraced the atmosphere of UFC, with official fan events attracting large crowds across the city. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the fighters' hotel each day, waiting for hours to meet their favorite athletes, take photographs, and collect autographs. Many fans also brought specially prepared gifts and souvenirs for the competitors.
The Open Workout on the Baku Boulevard drew thousands of spectators, with each fighter receiving an enthusiastic reception. The Ceremonial Weigh-Ins and Face-Offs, held the day before the event, also attracted a capacity crowd. The strong attendance throughout fight week highlighted the growing popularity of the UFC in Azerbaijan and confirmed that the event has become one of the country's most anticipated international sporting occasions.
The fight card itself exceeded expectations. A total of 13 bouts took place during UFC Fight Night, with nine ending inside the distance. A series of spectacular knockouts, submissions, and high-paced contests made the event one of the UFC's most entertaining Fight Nights of the year.
The event also marked a historic milestone for Azerbaijani mixed martial arts. For the first time, four Azerbaijani fighters competed on the same UFC card, with three of them securing victories. Azerbaijan is now represented by five fighters on the UFC roster, and the promotion's continued presence in Baku is expected to play an important role in the development of the country's MMA talent and the recruitment of future athletes to the organization.
Both in terms of organization and fan engagement, UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres further strengthened Baku's position on the UFC calendar. The event once again demonstrated Azerbaijan's ability to successfully host world-class sporting events and reinforced the country's growing reputation as one of the leading destinations for international combat sports.
The success of UFC Fight Night also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's status as a trusted partner for one of the world's most prestigious sports organizations, while further cementing Baku's place as a key host city on the UFC's global schedule.
