Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres headlines UFC Baku on June 27

Rafael Fiziev will headline UFC Baku on June 27 against knockout artist Manuel Torres, the promotion announced Tuesday. The lightweight bout takes place at the National Gymnastics Arena in Azerbaijan, marking the UFC’s second trip to the country.

Fiziev (13-5) is 1-4 over his past five fights, most recently knocked out by Mauricio Ruffy in January. His lone win since 2023 came in Baku last year against Ignacio Bahamondes, which ended a three-fight skid against Justin Gaethje twice and Mateusz Gamrot, per MMA Fighting. The No. 11 lightweight fought in his father’s home country once before and now returns with his ranking hanging in the balance.

Torres brings five-fight finish streak to main event slot

Torres (17-3) has won four straight inside the Octagon, all by first-round stoppage. According to MMA Mania, the Mexican has knocked out Frank Camacho, Nikolas Motta, Chris Duncan, Drew Dober and Grant Dawson since arriving through the Contender Series in 2021. He pocketed a bonus for every win. His only loss in six years came against Bahamondes, the same fighter Fiziev defeated in Azerbaijan.

The card also includes a middleweight clash between Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira, previously reported and now confirmed by the UFC. Marvin Vettori faces Ismail Naurdiev, while Brunno Ferreira meets Ikram Aliskerov in additional bouts announced for the June event.

Weigh-ins are scheduled for June 26, with the Fight Night card streaming the following evening.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — UFC announces lightweight main event for Baku card in June | MMA Fighting
• mmamania.com — Fiziev vs. Torres announced as main event for UFC Baku on June 27th | MMA Mania