UFC Baku is set to be the final event before UFC 317, showcasing a highly anticipated main event clash that has fight fans eager to tune in.
This landmark event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, making it the Ultimate Fighting Championship`s inaugural show in Azerbaijan.
In the co-main event, Azerbaijani standout Rafael Fiziev will compete against Ignacio Bahamondes. This bout marks a significant and likely welcome return home for Fiziev.
However, the featured light heavyweight attraction pits Jamahal Hill against Khalil Rountree Jr. This contest is generating considerable buzz due to its unpredictable nature.
Ahead of the UFC Baku event, experts from Bloody Elbow have weighed in with their staff picks, offering predictions for the main and co-main events, as well as the coveted Performance and Fight of the Night bonuses.
Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr Prediction
- Harvey Leonard – Jamahal Hill
- Jordan Ellis – Jamahal Hill
- Jamie Theodosi – Rountree Jr
The main event of UFC Baku is expected to be thrilling, highlighted by the lack of consensus among Bloody Elbow experts.
Both Harvey and Ellis are backing Hill to secure the win. Hill, a former Light Heavyweight champion who was forced to relinquish his title due to injury, is focused on climbing back into contention.
A victory here would significantly aid his return path. However, Jamie believes Hill`s time at the very top might be past and predicts Rountree Jr. will prove it in Baku.
Despite a recent loss to Alex Pereira, Rountree Jr. was previously on an impressive five-fight winning streak and possesses the power to start a new one by potentially knocking out Hill at UFC Baku.
Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes Prediction
- Harvey Leonard – Rafael Fiziev
- Jordan Ellis – Rafael Fiziev
- Jamie Theodosi – Ignacio Bahamondes
This fight represents a proud moment for Fiziev as he competes for the UFC in his home country for the very first time.
The native of Azerbaijan is favored by both Harvey and Jordan to win the co-main event against the formidable 17-5 Lightweight, Bahamondes.
The support of the hometown crowd could certainly inspire Fiziev to victory, but it`s worth noting that he isn`t entering this fight in the best recent form.
He is winless in his last three appearances, including a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 after recovering from a knee injury.
This recent struggle, combined with his Chilean opponent`s current three-fight winning streak, is precisely why Jamie has gone against the consensus, predicting that Bahamondes will claim the win in their fight at UFC Baku.
UFC Baku Fight of the Night Prediction
- Harvey Leonard – Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes
- Jordan Ellis – Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes
- Jamie Theodosi – Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes
Unanimously, all three experts agree that the bout between Fiziev and Bahamondes is the strongest candidate for the Fight of the Night award.
The fight carries significant narrative weight, potentially offering a feel-good moment for the local hero or a dramatic knockout that spoils the occasion.
Ignacio previously captivated fans with a memorable last-second spinning kick knockout against Roosevelt Roberts in 2021 and has since finished other tough fighters like Jailin Turner and Christos Giagos.
Fiziev will benefit from the passionate support of his home crowd, but he remains susceptible to being defeated at any moment. This dynamic creates an unpredictable yet exciting matchup that is highly likely to earn the Fight of the Night bonus at UFC Baku.
UFC Baku Performance of the Night Prediction
- Harvey Leonard – Nazim Sadykhov
- Jordan Ellis – Curtis Blaydes
- Jamie Theodosi – Tofiq Musayev
When it comes to the Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Baku, the Bloody Elbow experts show a clear divergence of opinion.
Harvey believes Nazim Sadykhov is the fighter most likely to earn the potential $50,000 bonus, predicting he will impress against Nikolas Motta on the main card. Sadykhov was born in Baku and is expected to have strong hometown support during his exciting matchup.
Meanwhile, Jordan is anticipating a standout performance from Curtis Blaydes in his fight against Rizvan Kuniev. As the Russian fighter will be making his UFC debut that night, the experienced 18-5 Blaydes is likely confident in his ability to dominate in Kuniev`s first taste of UFC competition.
Finally, Jamie is hopeful for a big impact from Tofiq Musayev. The Azerbaijani fighter is also making his promotional debut at this event and could make a significant statement by winning the Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Baku.
