The Ultimate Fighting Championship made history on June 21, 2025, with its inaugural event in Azerbaijan at UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. The Baku Crystal Hall in Baku hosted twelve compelling matchups headlined by a light heavyweight clash between former champion Jamahal Hill and former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. The event marked a significant milestone for the promotion's international expansion into the Caucasus region during a memorable night that saw the UFC debut in yet another country. However, the card's decision-heavy nature - with only two finishes across twelve bouts - created an unusual atmosphere as fans began leaving early before witnessing an unforgettable war between Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta that saved the evening.
UFC CEO Dana White responded by awarding both fighters double bonuses totaling $100,000 each, recognizing their spectacular performance amidst an otherwise lackluster card. What unfolded was a night where one spectacular brawl overshadowed a main event dominated by Rountree's technical superiority.
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UFC on ABC 8: Hill vs Rountree Jr. Main Card Results
Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Jamahal Hill - Main Event (Light Heavyweight)
Khalil Rountree Jr. (United States) def. Jamahal Hill (United States) via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
In the main event, former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. delivered a masterclass performance, thoroughly outclassing former light heavyweight champion Jamahal "Sweet Dreams" Hill over five dominant rounds. The decisive victory proved Rountree's inclusion among the light heavyweight elite is no fluke and positioned him for another potential title shot.
Rountree, competing for the first time since his thrilling October 2024 title loss to Alex Pereira, looked composed and every bit a top-ranked 205-pounder in the rebound effort. The 34-year-old entered ranked No. 7 and hoped to prove his competitive showing against Pereira was no aberration.
Hill, the former champion from Las Vegas, entered looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. After suffering knockout losses to Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, Hill needed a victory to remain relevant in title discussions.
The pairing was originally scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024, but Rountree withdrew after unintentionally ingesting DHEA in a tainted supplement. They were then rebooked for UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs Prates in April 2025, but Hill pulled out due to a lingering leg injury. The third time finally proved the charm in Baku.
Round 1 began with cautious feeling-out as both strikers sought their reads. Hill started with leg kicks, but when Rountree returned fire, those kicks "hit a little different" according to observers. The final minute saw exchanges heat up with neither man taking a decided edge.
Rounds 2 and 3 saw Rountree establish clear dominance. His leg kicks accumulated damage on Hill's lead leg while his body work broke down the former champion's defenses. Rountree's technical striking and improved fight IQ - lessons learned from the Pereira fight - proved decisive.
"I didn't come in here underestimating Jamahal," Rountree said post-fight. "I had full belief in myself and my abilities, but I didn't underestimate him. Also, the plan was to be smart. I made some mistakes in the Alex [Pereira] fight — this one, it's like, 'Hey man, I get to make different decisions."
Rounds 4 and 5 featured more of the same dominance. Rountree landed hard shots repeatedly while Hill, though game, appeared completely outgunned. The former champion couldn't implement his striking game as Rountree controlled distance, timing, and output throughout.
Hill's corner implored him to go for broke in the final rounds, but Rountree's defensive awareness and continued offensive pressure left no doubt about the outcome. The challenger landed cleaner and more frequently across all five rounds.
When scorecards were read, the verdict was decisive: 49-46, 50-45, 50-45 - all for Rountree. The lopsided scores reflected his complete dominance and improved to 14-6 (1 NC) while Hill dropped to three consecutive losses.
"But whatever gets me closer to fighting for that belt again," Rountree concluded, making his intentions clear regarding another title shot.
Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes - Co-Main Event (Lightweight)
Rafael Fiziev (Kyrgyzstan/Thailand) def. Ignacio Bahamondes (Chile) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Kyrgyzstani-born lightweight contender Rafael "Ataman" Fiziev snapped his three-fight losing skid with a hard-fought unanimous decision over streaking Chilean prospect Ignacio Bahamondes. The veteran's experience and diverse striking arsenal proved decisive against the rising star.
Fiziev, ranked No. 11 and training out of Thailand, desperately needed a victory after suffering consecutive losses. The 32-year-old's reputation as an elite striker required validation against a dangerous opponent.
Bahamondes entered having won six of his past seven UFC appearances, building momentum as one of lightweight's most exciting prospects. The Chilean's length and unorthodox striking created difficult matchups for opponents.
The lightweight battle showcased Fiziev's veteran savvy utilizing all his weapons. His Muay Thai background, honed in Thailand's legendary gyms, provided the technical superiority to edge out the younger challenger across three competitive rounds.
Bahamondes had moments of success with his length and creativity, but Fiziev's consistent output and cleaner striking earned him rounds. The judges unanimously scored it 30-27 across all three cards for Fiziev, now 13-4, while Bahamondes fell to 17-6.
The much-needed victory got Fiziev back on track and positioned him for opportunities against ranked lightweight contenders. His ability to defeat a rising prospect demonstrated that reports of his decline were premature.
Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev - Heavyweight
Curtis Blaydes (United States) def. Rizvan Kuniev (Russia) via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
American heavyweight Curtis "Razor" Blaydes emerged with a narrow split decision victory over promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev in a competitive three-round battle. The victory extended Blaydes's winning streak but questions arose about his performance against an unranked opponent.
Blaydes, a former interim title challenger, entered as a heavy favorite against the debuting Russian. The wrestling-based fighter hoped to utilize his grappling advantage to dominate Kuniev.
The bout was cursed with cancellations before finally materializing in Baku. Originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs Song, it shifted to UFC 313 before being cancelled hours before the event when Blaydes suffered an undisclosed illness. After being rescheduled for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales, it was moved to Baku.
Round 1 saw Blaydes waste no time taking Kuniev to the canvas. However, the Russian rose quickly, and Blaydes kept him locked against the fence. Once separated, they traded on the feet with Kuniev landing good shots before the horn.
Unable to secure takedowns in Round 2, Blaydes struggled as Kuniev took advantage with his striking attack. Blaydes fired back, but the Russian's round was clear, stealing momentum.
The third proved tough to call with both heavyweights having their moments. Blaydes's experience likely earned him the deciding round on two scorecards, but one judge had it for Kuniev.
Final scores read 28-29, 29-28, 29-28 for Blaydes, giving him the narrow split decision. The competitive nature against a debuting opponent raised concerns about Blaydes's continued elite status.
Myktybek Orolbai vs Tofiq Musayev - Catchweight (165 pounds)
Myktybek Orolbai (Kyrgyzstan) def. Tofiq Musayev (Azerbaijan) via submission (kimura) at 4:35 of Round 1
Kyrgyzstani grappler Myktybek Orolbai spoiled hometown favorite Tofiq Musayev's highly-anticipated UFC debut with a first-round kimura submission. However, the impressive finish was overshadowed by the bout moving to a 165-pound catchweight due to weight-cutting issues.
Originally scheduled as a lightweight bout at 155 pounds, the fight shifted to catchweight shortly before weigh-ins. While neither fighter officially missed weight, no explanation was provided. This ambiguity cost Orolbai a potential bonus as UFC officials treated it as a weight miss.
Musayev, representing Azerbaijan in his home country debut, brought tremendous local support. The pressure of performing before his compatriots may have affected his performance.
Orolbai wasted little time imposing his grappling. Late in Round 1, he secured a kimura shoulder lock and applied pressure. Musayev had no escape, tapping at 4:35 to give Orolbai the first-round submission victory.
Despite the spectacular finish, Dana White explained post-event why Orolbai didn't receive a bonus: "The kimura? The kid that didn't make weight? No." The catchweight issue prevented recognition of an otherwise impressive performance.
Nazim Sadykhov vs Nikolas Motta - Lightweight
Nazim Sadykhov (Azerbaijan/United States) def. Nikolas Motta (Brazil) via TKO (strikes) at 4:17 of Round 2
In what became the UFC Baku highlight and potential Fight of the Year candidate, Brooklyn-based Azerbaijani Nazim "Black Wolf" Sadykhov rallied from near defeat to stop Brazilian slugger Nikolas Motta in an unforgettable war. The spectacular brawl earned both fighters unprecedented double bonuses totaling $100,000 each.
Sadykhov, training at Ray Longo's gym in New York, fought before his ancestral homeland crowd in Baku. The Azerbaijani-born American entered undefeated in the UFC at 3-0-1, having earned bonuses in previous outings.
Motta brought a 67% knockout ratio and Brazilian slugger mentality. The dangerous striker hoped to deliver a statement finish in hostile territory.
Round 1 delivered instant violence as both fighters traded bombs from the opening bell. Motta threw punches with reckless abandon while Sadykhov refused to give ground, matching him shot-for-shot. The incredible pace saw them land 159 combined strikes in Round 1 alone.
Late in the first, disaster nearly struck for Sadykhov. Motta landed a picture-perfect left hook to the liver that dropped the Azerbaijani to a knee. The Brazilian pounced like a predator, pounding Sadykhov's body with hooks and uppercuts as he shelled up against the fence.
Referee Lukasz Bosacki inched closer as Sadykhov absorbed punishment, but miraculously didn't intervene. Bosacki's patience proved crucial, giving Sadykhov time to recover and survive until the bell as the crowd roared approval.
Round 2 saw both warriors continue their hellacious display. Motta landed and flurried, Sadykhov answered with his own punches. They traded like rock-em-sock-em robots in non-stop violence.
With Motta's back against the cage late in the round, Sadykhov had enough. "Black Wolf" unleashed a devastating flurry of hooks that landed flush on Motta's chin, crumpling the Brazilian to his knees. Bosacki intervened at 4:17 of Round 2, ending an instant classic.
The finish snapped a seven-fight decision streak on the card, energizing fans who had begun leaving early. Post-fight statistics revealed the incredible pace: 98 total strikes landed for Sadykhov vs 84 for Motta, with 65 to 64 head shots - remarkable for a fight ending in Round 2.
Dana White awarded both fighters $100,000 each - double the standard bonus. "I'm giving them all the money tonight, so they're getting $100,000 each, they're getting all the money," White announced, recognizing that Sadykhov and Motta saved an otherwise lackluster card.
Video captured Sadykhov's emotional reaction upon learning of the double bonus. The Ray Longo prospect screamed ecstatically before tearing up, understanding the $100,000 windfall plus his win bonus. The double awards marked Sadykhov's third and fourth UFC bonuses in just five fights, bringing his total bonus earnings to $200,000.
For Motta, despite the loss, the $100,000 bonus provided significant compensation for his warrior effort. His willingness to engage in warfare created the memorable moment UFC Baku desperately needed.
Muhammad Naimov vs Bogdan Grad - Featherweight (Main Card Opener)
Muhammad Naimov (Russia) def. Bogdan Grad (Romania) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Russian featherweight Muhammad Naimov opened the main card with a narrow unanimous decision victory over Romanian Bogdan Grad. The competitive three-rounder featured close exchanges across all frames.
Naimov utilized his striking and cage craft to edge out Grad across fifteen minutes. The close nature resulted in identical 29-28 scorecards from all three judges, reflecting how competitive the bout remained throughout.
The decision victory kept Naimov moving forward in the featherweight division while Grad suffered a setback in his UFC journey.
UFC on ABC 8: Hill vs Rountree Jr. Preliminary Card Results
Seokhyeon Ko vs Oban Elliott - Welterweight (Prelim Headliner)
Seokhyeon Ko (South Korea) def. Oban Elliott (United Kingdom) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
South Korean welterweight Seokhyeon Ko dominated British fighter Oban Elliott with a shutout unanimous decision victory. The lopsided scorecards reflected Ko's complete control across all three rounds.
Ko utilized superior striking and cage generalship to overwhelm Elliott. All three judges scored the bout 30-27, giving Ko the clean sweep and an impressive victory to continue his UFC ascent.
Jun Yong Park vs Ismail Naurdiev - Middleweight
Jun Yong Park (South Korea) def. Ismail Naurdiev (Austria) via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-25)
South Korean middleweight Jun Yong Park weathered serious adversity to roar back and defeat Austrian veteran Ismail Naurdiev via unanimous decision in a bout marred by a significant illegal strike.
The bout was originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales but moved to Baku for undisclosed reasons.
Round 1 featured competitive exchanges with Naurdiev perhaps taking a slight lead. However, Round 2 brought controversy when Naurdiev landed an illegal knee on the grounded Park, cutting him over the eye and prompting referee Lukasz Bosacki to halt the action.
After medical examination, Park was cleared to continue. Bosacki docked Naurdiev two points for the egregious foul, significantly impacting the scorecards.
Park capitalized on the reprieve, dominating the remainder of the fight. The two-point deduction proved decisive as judges scored it 29-26, 29-26, and 29-25 for Park, now 19-5, while Naurdiev fell to 24-8.
The victory demonstrated Park's mental toughness overcoming both the illegal strike and adversity to secure an impressive comeback win.
Daria Zhelezniakova vs Melissa Mullins - Women's Bantamweight
Daria Zhelezniakova (Russia) def. Melissa Mullins (United States) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Russian bantamweight Daria Zhelezniakova avenged a 2022 loss to Melissa Mullins with a unanimous decision victory in their rematch. The revenge performance improved Zhelezniakova's record while handing Mullins a setback.
Zhelezniakova went on the attack immediately, drilling Mullins with hard combinations. The Russian's aggressive approach and technical striking earned her rounds on all three scorecards.
Judges scored it 29-28 and 30-27 twice for Zhelezniakova, now 10-2, while Mullins fell to 7-2. The victory evened their series at one win apiece and positioned Zhelezniakova for opportunities against ranked bantamweights.
Klaudia Sygula vs Irina Alekseeva - Women's Bantamweight
Klaudia Sygula (Poland) def. Irina Alekseeva (Russia) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Polish bantamweight Klaudia Sygula earned a dominant shutout unanimous decision over Russian Irina Alekseeva. The lopsided scorecards reflected Sygula's complete control throughout fifteen minutes.
Sygula's superior striking and cage craft overwhelmed Alekseeva across all three rounds. All three judges scored it 30-27, giving the Polish fighter a clear victory to build momentum in the bantamweight division.
Tagir Ulanbekov vs Azat Maksum - Flyweight
Tagir Ulanbekov (Russia) def. Azat Maksum (Kazakhstan) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Russian flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov defeated Kazakhstani Azat Maksum via unanimous decision in a bout originally scheduled as the co-main event before changes. Former RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi was originally slated to face Ulanbekov but withdrew for undisclosed reasons.
Ulanbekov utilized his well-rounded skills to control Maksum across three rounds. The Russian's grappling and cage craft proved decisive in earning scorecards of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27.
The victory kept Ulanbekov relevant in the competitive flyweight division and positioned him for opportunities against ranked opponents.
UFC on ABC 8: Hill vs Rountree Jr. Early Prelims Results
Mohammed Usman vs Hamdy Abdelwahab - Heavyweight (Card Opener)
Mohammed Usman (United States) def. Hamdy Abdelwahab (Egypt) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Peña vs Team Nunes heavyweight winner Mohammed Usman opened UFC Baku with a narrow unanimous decision victory over Egyptian Hamdy Abdelwahab. The bout was originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales before moving to Baku.
The brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, Mohammed utilized his wrestling and cage craft to edge out Abdelwahab. All three judges scored the competitive bout 29-28 for Usman, giving him the narrow victory to continue his UFC journey.
Notable UFC on ABC 8: Hill vs Rountree Jr. Information
Historic Azerbaijan Debut
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. marked the promotion's first event in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region. The Baku Crystal Hall hosted the historic occasion, expanding the UFC's international footprint into new territory.
The event's decision-heavy nature initially disappointed the Azerbaijani crowd, with fans beginning to leave early before Sadykhov vs Motta saved the evening. The hometown hero's dramatic comeback created an unforgettable moment for the country's UFC debut.
Double Bonus Awards
UFC CEO Dana White made the unprecedented decision to award Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta $100,000 each - double the standard $50,000 bonus. Each fighter received both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.
White explained the decision at the post-fight press conference: "I wanna say, Nazim and Motta, total strikes landed 98 vs 84, which is crazy pace for a fight that ended in the second round. 65 to 64 head shots and a combined 159 strikes in round one and then the Motta combination, there was like 75 punches, in that ball park. I'm giving them all the money tonight."
Notably absent from bonuses was Myktybek Orolbai despite his first-round kimura submission. White clarified: "The kimura? The kid that didn't make weight? No." The catchweight issue cost Orolbai recognition despite his impressive performance.
Sadykhov's emotional reaction to learning about the $100,000 bonus went viral. Training at Ray Longo's gym in New York, the Azerbaijani-American now has four bonuses in five UFC fights, totaling $200,000 in extra earnings.
Decision-Heavy Card
UFC Baku featured only two finishes across twelve bouts - the fewest finishes on any UFC card in recent memory. The decision-heavy nature created an unusual atmosphere with fans leaving early before the Sadykhov-Motta war.
Of twelve total bouts, ten went to the judges. The preliminary card saw all six bouts go the distance before Sadykhov's finish snapped the streak on the main card. Only Orolbai's submission provided the other stoppage.
The lack of finishes highlighted the difficulty of producing exciting action on every card, though Sadykhov and Motta's performance reminded everyone why fans love the sport.
Fight Rescheduling History
Multiple bouts on UFC Baku experienced significant scheduling challenges before finally materializing:
Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev was originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Cejedo vs Song, then UFC 313 (cancelled hours before when Blaydes suffered illness), then UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales before finally happening in Baku.
Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Jamahal Hill was originally set for UFC 303 in June 2024 (Rountree withdrew after tainted supplement), then UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs Prates in April 2025 (Hill pulled out with leg injury) before the third booking succeeded.
Jun Yong Park vs Ismail Naurdiev and Mohammed Usman vs Hamdy Abdelwahab both moved from UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales to Baku for undisclosed reasons.
Catchweight Controversy
The Myktybek Orolbai vs Tofiq Musayev bout shifting to 165-pound catchweight created controversy. While neither fighter officially missed weight at the scales, the catchweight designation suggested weight-cutting issues.
Dana White's decision to withhold bonus recognition from Orolbai despite his spectacular kimura finish demonstrated the promotion's stance on weight issues. The policy ensures fighters who struggle making contracted weight aren't rewarded with bonuses.
Tom Aspinall Heavyweight Championship News
During the UFC Baku post-fight press conference, Dana White made a shocking announcement: Jon Jones had retired from the UFC, and Tom Aspinall was promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion. The news, delivered at the Baku event, created headlines around the combat sports world.
Broadcast Details
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. aired on ABC in the United States, providing mainstream network exposure for the promotion's Azerbaijan debut. The special broadcast arrangement gave casual fans access to the historic event.
Event Analysis and Takeaways
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. will be remembered primarily for one spectacular fight saving an otherwise lackluster card. The decision-heavy nature - only two finishes in twelve bouts - created an unusual atmosphere with fans leaving early, only to miss the Sadykhov-Motta war that vindicated their ticket purchase.
Khalil Rountree Jr.'s dominant victory over Jamahal Hill demonstrated his elite status at light heavyweight. The former title challenger's technical improvements and fight IQ following the Pereira loss proved he belongs among division leaders. Rountree's leg kicks, body work, and defensive awareness created a masterclass performance worthy of another title shot consideration.
Jamahal Hill's third consecutive loss raises serious questions about his future. The former champion appeared completely outgunned against Rountree's technical striking, unable to implement his own game. At 34 years old, Hill must reassess his approach or risk sliding from championship relevance.
Rafael Fiziev's victory over Ignacio Bahamondes provided much-needed validation after a three-fight skid. The Thai-trained striker's diverse arsenal proved too much for the rising Chilean, demonstrating that Fiziev remains dangerous against lightweight contenders.
Curtis Blaydes's narrow split decision over debuting Rizvan Kuniev raised concerns about his continued elite status. Struggling against an unranked opponent suggests Blaydes may be declining from his previous Top 5 form.
The true star of UFC Baku was Nazim Sadykhov. His dramatic comeback victory over Nikolas Motta created an instant classic and potential Fight of the Year candidate. Surviving a brutal liver shot and body assault to rally and finish Motta demonstrated championship-level heart. The hometown hero's $100,000 double bonus and emotional reaction created a memorable moment for Azerbaijan's UFC debut.
Dana White's decision to award both Sadykhov and Motta all bonus money ($100,000 each) recognized their sacrifice on a card desperately needing excitement. Their willingness to engage in warfare without concern for defense created the violence fans crave, vindicating White's unprecedented bonus decision.
The catchweight controversy surrounding Orolbai's bout demonstrated the promotion's firm stance on weight issues. Despite a spectacular kimura submission, failing to make contracted weight cost recognition and money.
UFC Baku's decision-heavy nature highlighted the difficulty of consistently producing exciting action. While the promotion succeeded in expanding into Azerbaijan, the lack of finishes created challenges for fan engagement until Sadykhov saved the day.
Conclusion
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs Rountree Jr. successfully debuted the promotion in Azerbaijan while providing mixed results for fan entertainment. Khalil Rountree Jr.'s dominant unanimous decision victory over former champion Jamahal Hill headlined the card with a technical masterclass, proving his elite light heavyweight status and earning another potential title shot.
However, the event's decision-heavy nature - only two finishes in twelve bouts - created an unusual atmosphere with disappointed fans leaving early. Ten consecutive decisions to start the card tested patience until Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta delivered an unforgettable war that saved UFC Baku.
Sadykhov's dramatic comeback from a brutal liver shot to finish Motta created an instant classic and potential Fight of the Year candidate. Dana White's unprecedented decision to award both fighters $100,000 each recognized their sacrifice and the fact they saved an otherwise lackluster card. Sadykhov's emotional reaction to the double bonus - screaming and tearing up - provided the evening's most memorable visual.
Rafael Fiziev snapped his three-fight skid with a decision over Ignacio Bahamondes, while Curtis Blaydes survived a competitive split decision against debuting Rizvan Kuniev. Myktybek Orolbai's first-round kimura of hometown favorite Tofiq Musayev impressed, though catchweight issues cost him bonus recognition.
As the promotion announced Tom Aspinall's elevation to undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones's retirement, UFC Baku became a historic night for multiple reasons. The event successfully expanded the promotion into Azerbaijan while demonstrating that even on decision-heavy cards, one spectacular fight can create lasting memories and validate the entire enterprise.
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