BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 18. Under the glow of a summer sunset over the Caspian Sea, Primorsky National Park transformed into a vibrant arena for mixed martial arts fans. It was here that an open training session featuring UFC stars took place, drawing a large crowd and creating the atmosphere of a true sports festival, Trend reports.
The event was held as part of "UFC Fight Night Baku."
One by one, prominent international and Azerbaijani fighters — Khalil Rountree Jr., Jamahal Hill, Rafael Fiziev, Nazim Sadykhov, and Tofig Musayev — took to the improvised stage.
The athletes showcased elements of their training routines, shared techniques and personal strategies, and offered the crowd a behind-the-scenes look at how they prepare for fights. Each appearance was met with applause and cheers, giving fans a rare chance to see their idols up close and experience the spirit of the UFC like never before. The session delivered a genuine fight-night atmosphere and left spectators with vivid impressions and excitement.
The open UFC training in Baku was a highlight in the city’s sporting calendar, once again proving that Azerbaijan is more than capable of hosting world-class events at the highest level.
As a reminder, UFC Fight Night will be held in Baku for the first time on June 21. The event at Baku Crystal Hall will feature 12 bouts — six on the main card and six on the preliminary card. The headline fight of the evening will see former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill face off against former title contender Khalil Rountree. In the co-main event, Azerbaijani lightweight Rafael Fiziev will take on Chile’s Ignacio Bahamondes. Azerbaijan’s Nazim Sadykhov and Tofig Musayev will also enter the octagon, facing Brazil’s Nicolas Motta and Kyrgyzstan’s Myktybek Orolbay, respectively.
