Daniil Donchenko vs. Andreas Gustafsson in works for UFC Baku on June 27

Reports emerged on April 27 indicating that a matchup between Daniil Donchenko and Andreas Gustafsson is being finalized for UFC Baku, the promotion's event scheduled for June 27, 2026, in Azerbaijan. The bout has not yet been officially confirmed, with the report originating from Real Kevin K. Weight class and card placement have not been disclosed at this stage.

Donchenko enters the potential matchup as one of the more impressive young prospects in the organization. The 24-year-old carries a 15-2 professional record and brings exceptional striking output, landing 7.15 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach, he fights out of an orthodox stance and has shown limited reliance on the grappling game.

Gustafsson, nicknamed "Bane," is a 35-year-old Swedish fighter representing Vasteras Fight Club with a 12-3 professional record. The six-foot-one orthodox fighter carries a 73-inch reach and is one of the more prolific strikers and wrestlers on the roster, landing 5.82 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 71 percent accuracy while averaging 6.19 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Gustafsson's elite takedown rate of 6.19 per 15 minutes sets up a sharp stylistic contrast against a striker-first opponent in Donchenko
• Donchenko's volume striking — 7.15 significant strikes per minute — makes him a legitimate threat if the fight stays standing
• UFC Baku represents the promotion's push into the Azerbaijani market, giving both fighters a prominent international platform
• The 11-year age gap between the two adds a prospect-versus-veteran dimension to an already intriguing matchup