UFC has introduced its return to Azerbaijan, with UFC Combat Night time Baku set for June 27 as a part of a brand new multi-year settlement that may convey one Combat Night time to Baku annually by means of 2028. The occasion is scheduled for the Nationwide Gymnastics Area, following the promotion’s first go to to town in June 2025.
UFC Books June 27 Return to Baku as New Azerbaijan Settlement Begins
In line with the announcement, the deal was made with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports activities and Baku Metropolis Circuit Operations Firm. The association requires one UFC Combat Night time in Baku annually by means of 2028, giving the promotion a set annual cease within the area.
The return comes lower than a yr after UFC’s first occasion in Azerbaijan. UFC’s debut Baku card was held in June 2025 and drew greater than 14,000 followers at Baku Crystal Corridor, which the corporate described as a sold-out occasion. That turnout seems to have helped push talks ahead for a longer-term partnership, with UFC president and CEO Dana White and Azerbaijan sports activities minister Farid Gayibov discussing the success of the primary card earlier than agreeing to increase the connection.
There’s one notable change this time. Whereas the 2025 occasion came about at Baku Crystal Corridor, the 2026 return has been booked for the Nationwide Gymnastics Area. That venue swap stands out as a result of early occasion listings elsewhere had linked the June 27 card to Baku Crystal Corridor, however the official announcement locations it on the Nationwide Gymnastics Area.
In its launch, UFC pointed to sturdy fan demand available in the market, whereas Baku Metropolis Circuit mentioned regional curiosity and inbound journey have elevated forward of this yr’s occasion. Azerbaijan officers additionally framed the deal as half of a bigger plan to maintain constructing Baku’s profile as a bunch metropolis for main worldwide sports activities occasions.
As of now, UFC has not introduced the combat card for the June 27 occasion. The promotion has directed followers to register curiosity by means of UFC’s Baku occasion web page for updates and early ticket entry, whereas extra occasion information is predicted nearer to combat week.
For UFC, the transfer offers the corporate one other recurring worldwide vacation spot at a time when it continues to increase its world schedule. For Azerbaijan, it means Baku is now not a one-off cease on the calendar. If the brand new settlement holds, town will host UFC Combat Nights yearly by means of 2028.
