Rafael Fiziev will look to snap a two-fight losing streak when he faces Manuel Torres in the main event of UFC Baku on Saturday, June 27, inside National Gymnastics Arena. The lightweight clash headlines a card that also features a co-main event between Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira in a middleweight bout.
Fiziev, once riding a six-fight win streak that propelled him into title contention, has hit a rough patch with consecutive losses. Torres, a rising slugger, aims to capitalize on the veteran's recent struggles. The fight is expected to be a striking-heavy affair, with both men known for their power.
A victory for Fiziev could re-establish him as a contender in the stacked lightweight division, while Torres would notch the biggest win of his career. The lightweight title picture remains crowded, and a dominant performance here could force the UFC's hand in rankings.
UFC Baku airs live on Paramount+ starting later today. The event marks the promotion's first visit to Azerbaijan, adding regional significance to the card.
“Times have been tough for Fiziev in recent years,” Yahoo Sports noted, though his camp has expressed confidence in a return to form. Torres, meanwhile, has promised to “go to war” in his first UFC main event.