UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Preview

Image Credit: UFC

The UFC debuts in Baku this weekend, featuring a clash between two top-10 light heavyweights, along with exciting debuts and matchups on the main card. From start to finish, this main card promises non-stop action.

Main Event: Jamahal Hill (12-3-0, 1NC) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6-0, 1NC)

Former champion and current #4-ranked light heavyweight Jamahal Hill faces off against #7-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr., a previous title challenger. Both fighters are coming off losses and aim to re-enter the title conversation. With the division at a stalemate, this matchup could shake things up. Rountree’s elite Muay Thai skills will likely target Hill’s legs early, while Hill should aim to stay within boxing range, press Rountree against the cage, and mix in takedowns. Neither fighter is an easy night’s work—Hill can knock out opponents at any moment, and Rountree “fights like people owe him money.”

Co-Main Event: Rafael Fiziev (12-4-0) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5-0)

Hometown favorite Rafael Fiziev takes on Ignacio Bahamondes, who is looking to break into the lightweight rankings. Fiziev is coming off a short-notice loss to Justin Gaethje, while Bahamondes rides momentum from a win over Jalin Turner. This is a tough matchup for Fiziev, as Bahamondes stands 6’3” with a 7-inch height advantage and a 4-inch reach edge. Expect an electrifying fight that tests both fighters’ skills. Can Fiziev deliver for the “short kings”?

Main Card: Curtis Blaydes (18-5-0, 1NC) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1, 1NC)

This cursed matchup, previously cancelled twice, pits #5-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes against unranked Rizvan Kuniev, who makes his UFC debut. This is an incredibly tough debut for Kuniev.

Main Card: Tofiq Musayev (22-5-0) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1)

Coming off a fight-of-the-year contender, Myktybek Orolbai took time off after his last war and now faces Tofiq Musayev, a Rizin veteran making his UFC debut Saturday night.

Main Card: Nazim Sadykhov (10-1-1) vs. Nikolas Motta (15-5-0, 1NC)

Nazim Sadykhov, riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak, takes on Nikolas Motta in an intriguing striker vs. striker matchup.

Main Card: Muhammad Naimov (12-3-0) vs. Bogdan Grad (15-2-0)**

Bogdan Grad hopes to keep this fight standing against Muhammad Naimov, a proven wrestler. This grappler vs. striker matchup promises excitement.