Sat Jun 21 20:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Khalil Rountree Jr. Dominates Jamahal Hill in Historic UFC Debut in Baku, Azerbaijan**

**BAKU, AZERBAIJAN** – The UFC made its highly anticipated debut in Baku, Azerbaijan on Saturday night, treating a raucous crowd at the Baku Crystal Hall to a night of thrilling fights. The main event saw Khalil Rountree Jr. deliver a career-defining performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.

Rountree (15-6, 1 NC) utilized a calculated striking game, consistently targeting Hill’s lead leg with punishing kicks. He dropped Hill (12-4, 1 NC) twice during the fight, ultimately earning scores of 49-46 and 50-45 (twice) from the judges.

“This is the biggest win of my career, no doubt,” said Rountree after his victory.

In the co-main event, Rafael Fiziev (13-4) showcased his veteran experience, outpointing rising lightweight contender Ignacio Bahamondes (17-6) to win by unanimous decision (30-27 x3). Fiziev displayed strong takedown defense and landed the cleaner, more effective strikes throughout the three-round affair.

The night also saw a controversial split decision victory for heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes (19-5, 1 NC) over UFC newcomer Rizvan Kuniev (12-3-1, 1 NC). In other main card action:

* Myktybek Orolbai (14-2-1) spoiled the debut of hometown favorite Tofiq Musayev (22-6), securing a first-round kimura submission at a catchweight of 165 pounds.
* Azerbaijan’s own Nazim Sadykhov (11-1-1) ignited the crowd with a second-round TKO victory over Nikolas Motta (15-6, 1 NC).
* Muhammad Naimov (13-3) defeated Bogdan Grad (15-3) by unanimous decision in a competitive featherweight bout.

The UFC’s inaugural event in Baku proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Azerbaijan.

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