UFC Baku serves as the final event before UFC 317 and features a highly anticipated main event bout.
This historic event, the first-ever UFC card in Azerbaijan, is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku.
In the co-main event, Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev returns home to face Ignacio Bahamondes in a lightweight contest.
However, the main event light heavyweight collision between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr is generating significant buzz, considered one of the most exciting matchups of the night due to its unpredictable nature.
Ahead of UFC Baku, staff experts have shared their predictions for the top two fights, along with their picks for Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night.
Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr prediction
- Harvey Leonard: Jamahal Hill
- Jordan Ellis: Jamahal Hill
- Jamie Theodosi: Rountree Jr
The Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. main event is expected to be thrilling, with experts divided on the potential winner.
Both Harvey and Ellis favor Hill to secure the victory. Hill, a former light heavyweight champion who vacated his title due to injury, is aiming to climb back into title contention.
A win would be crucial for Hill`s title aspirations, but Jamie believes Hill`s era is over and Rountree Jr. will demonstrate that in Baku.
Despite a recent loss to Alex Pereira, Rountree Jr. was previously on a five-fight winning streak and possesses the striking power to potentially start a new streak with a knockout win over Hill at UFC Baku.
Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes prediction
- Harvey Leonard: Rafael Fiziev
- Jordan Ellis: Rafael Fiziev
- Jamie Theodosi: Ignacio Bahamondes
This event marks a significant and potentially proud moment for Fiziev, fighting under the UFC banner for the first time in his native Azerbaijan.
Harvey and Jordan predict the Azerbaijani native will win the co-main event against the formidable 17-5 lightweight, Bahamondes.
However, Fiziev`s recent form is less convincing, with no wins in his last three outings, including a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 following a knee injury.
This challenging period, combined with Bahamondes` current three-fight winning streak, is why Jamie has predicted an upset victory for the Chilean fighter 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
All three experts unanimously agree that the Fight of the Night award will be earned by the Fiziev vs. Bahamondes contest.
This matchup carries strong potential for a compelling narrative, whether it results in a triumphant moment for the local hero or a stunning knockout that spoils the homecoming.
Bahamondes previously impressed fans with a memorable last-second spinning kick KO against Roosevelt Roberts in 2021 and has secured finishes against opponents like Jailin Turner and Christos Giagos since then.
While Fiziev will benefit from strong crowd support, his vulnerability adds an unpredictable element, making this an exciting fight with a high chance of earning 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
Unlike the Fight of the Night pick, the experts are divided on who will receive the Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Baku.
Harvey predicts Nazim Sadykhov will secure the $50,000 bonus with a standout performance against Nikolas Motta on the main card. As a Baku native, Sadykhov will have significant hometown support for this exciting bout.
Jordan, on the other hand, expects Curtis Blaydes to deliver an impressive performance against Rizvan Kuniev. With Kuniev making his UFC debut, the experienced 18-5 Blaydes is likely confident in his ability to dominate this first UFC outing for his opponent.
Lastly, Jamie is looking for a significant impact from Tofiq Musayev. This Azerbaijani fighter is also making his UFC debut at the event and could make a memorable entrance by earning a Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Baku.
