‘Beautiful’ Baku to host ‘UFC Fight Night’

Article posted by Coliseum, May 4^th, 2026

Image: Presidential Press and Information Office

The American mixed martial arts promotion company – the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan as well as with the Baku City Circuit Operating Company.

‘1news.az’ stated that as reported by the company the agreement extends until 2028 and includes the annual hosting of the ‘UFC Fight Night’ tournaments in the capital of Azerbaijan – Baku.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 18,500-capacity Baku City Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan, constructed near the Baku Boulevard. The inaugural Formula One race at the circuit was the 2016 European Grand Prix and its support events. In 2017, the circuit held the inaugural Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

London (UK)-based Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel, single-seater formula racing cars run by the Formula One Group and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one of the world’s premier forms of motorsport since its inaugural running in 1950 and is often considered to be the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Formula One Group is a group of companies responsible for the promotion of the FIA’s Formula One World Championship and the exercising of the sport’s commercial rights.

Paris (France)-based the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is an international organization with two primary functions surrounding use of the automobile. Its Mobility Division advocates the interests of the motoring organizations, the automotive industry and the motor car users in the fields of road safety and traffic circulation. The Sport Division is a governing body for many international motorsport championships and disciplines including Formula One.

‘1news.az’ further stated that the first tournament under the signed agreement is scheduled for June 27^th and will take place at the National Gymnastics Arena.

The 5,000-capacity National Gymnastics Arena is an indoor arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. The venue is mainly used for gymnastics.

As a reminder, the debut UFC event, held in June of last year at the Baku Crystal Hall, attracted over 14,000 spectators. The tickets were completely sold out demonstrating significant interest in mixed martial arts in the region.

The 27,000-capacity Baku Crystal Hall is an indoor arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is located on the coast of Baku near the National Flag Square.

During a meeting in Las Vegas (US) the UFC President and head honcho Dana White, together with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, discussed prospects for further collaboration.

Dana White called Baku one of the best cities to visit, “It’s an incredibly beautiful city with hospitable people. During my previous visit I was truly impressed. The local fans show tremendous interest in the sport and have a great understanding of it. You have to see it for yourself.”

Farid Gayibov emphasized that the long-term cooperation with UFC contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s status as an international sports hub. He added that the experience gained from organizing the large-scale events including the first European Games and the Formula 1 races will serve as a foundation for promoting Mixed Martial Art (MMA) and create additional opportunities for the athletes from the country and the entire region. The UFC has already secured a firm place in Baku’s sports calendar and provides the local fighters with a unique opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd.

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport based on striking and grappling incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world.

The Baku City Circuit Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Magsud Farzullayev stated that after a successful debut last year the company is pleased to expand cooperation and once again host tournaments in Baku. He noted that an even higher level of interest and an increase in the number of visitors to the capital are expected this year. Farzullayev expressed confidence that the event will be organized at a qualitatively new level and will deliver vivid emotions to both the participants and the spectators.

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