A lightweight main event and Shara Magomedov's co-main against a fan-favorite have been announced for UFC Baku. The card reshuffle confirms high-profile bouts for the international event. Magomedov's inclusion boosts appeal in the middleweight division. This expands UFC's global footprint with fresh matchups. Full card details expected soon.
UFC Baku is taking shape as a marquee international event, with organizers confirming a lightweight main event and a high-profile middleweight co-main bout headlining the card.
Shara "Bullet" Magomedov will compete in the co-main event, further raising the profile of the Azerbaijan show. The 32-year-old Russian, who trains out of Gorets Fight Club, carries a 17-1-0 record in the middleweight division and has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the weight class. Standing six-foot-two with a 73-inch reach, Magomedov fights out of an orthodox stance and brings elite striking output to the cage. He lands an impressive 5.93 significant strikes per minute at a 62 percent striking accuracy rate, numbers that place him among the division's most efficient and active offensive fighters. His opponent, described as a fan-favorite, has yet to be formally identified in the official announcement.
A separate lightweight bout will serve as the evening's main event, though specific matchup details for that contest have also not been disclosed. Full card information is expected to follow in the coming days.
Why it matters
- Magomedov's co-main slot signals his continued rise in the middleweight division and keeps him in contention for a ranked opponent
- A dedicated lightweight main event suggests UFC is prioritizing competitive depth for the Baku card, not just a single marquee name
- The event reinforces UFC's strategy of staging high-profile international cards to grow the sport in emerging markets
- Fans of Magomedov's aggressive, high-volume striking style will have strong reason to tune in regardless of his opponent's identity
