UFC officially announced on Friday that Rafael Fiziev will have a form of homecoming bout when he faces rising lightweight contender Ignacio Bahamondes. Their fight is scheduled as the co-main event for the upcoming UFC Baku event on June 21st.
This event marks the inaugural UFC show to be held in Azerbaijan. Headlining the card will be a light heavyweight clash between former UFC champion Jamahal Hill and one-time title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr.
Fiziev (12-4), who was born in Kazakhstan but grew up in Azerbaijan, is looking to rebound and snap a three-fight losing streak. The fighter known for a previous six-fight winning run, including impressive knockout victories over Rafael dos Anjos and Renato Moicano, is currently on a skid following losses to Justin Gaethje (twice) and Mateusz Gamrot.
Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5), representing Chile, enters what could be the biggest fight of his career to date. He has significantly boosted his Octagon record to 6-2, securing three consecutive bonus-winning performances since April 2024 with victories over Christos Giagos, Manuel Torres, and Jalin Turner.
