The UFC has officially announced that Rafael Fiziev (7-5 UFC) will face Manuel Torres (5-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC Baku on June 27, 2026. The co-main event will feature a bout between Shara Bullet and Michel Pereira. Both fights have been confirmed by the promotion. This marks a significant matchup in the lightweight division, with Fiziev looking to rebound from recent losses while Torres continues his rise in the UFC ranks.
The UFC has confirmed a lightweight main event for UFC Baku on June 27, 2026, booking seventh-ranked Rafael Fiziev against the ascending Manuel Torres to headline the card in Azerbaijan.
Fiziev, known as "Ataman," enters the fight with a 14-5 record and carries the backing of Tiger Muay Thai. The 33-year-old Kazakhstani currently sits at number seven in the lightweight division and lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. He is looking to reverse a difficult recent stretch and re-establish himself among the division's elite.
Torres, nicknamed "El Loco," brings a 17-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark inside the UFC. The 31-year-old Mexican southpaw-switch fighter out of Entram Gym has drawn attention with a striking output of 7.29 significant strikes per minute and an impressive 59 percent accuracy — numbers that rank among the more dangerous in the lightweight ranks. He also averages 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes, adding a wrestling dimension to his offensive game.
The co-main event will see Shara Bullet opposite Michel Pereira. The Brazilian Pereira, 32, holds a 32-15 record and is ranked 15th in the middleweight division. Fighting out of Overcome Academy, the six-foot-one "Demolidor" lands 4.46 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.21 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's ranking means a win over Torres could push him back into title contention at lightweight
- Torres's elite striking volume and accuracy make this a genuine stylistic test for the more experienced Fiziev
- Pereira's divisional ranking ensures the co-main event also carries meaningful middleweight standings implications
- UFC Baku marks a continued push by the promotion into new international markets
