Marvin Vettori has announced he is forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Ismail Naurdiev at UFC Baku due to a fractured rib sustained in training camp. The injury forced the cancellation of what was expected to be a significant matchup on the card. No details were provided about potential replacement opponents or rescheduling. This represents a setback for both fighters and the UFC Baku event. Vettori expressed his disappointment at having to pull out of the fight.
Marvin Vettori has been forced out of his scheduled middleweight bout against Ismail Naurdiev at UFC Baku after suffering a fractured rib during training camp, the Italian fighter announced on May 21.
Vettori, known as "The Italian Dream," carries a professional record of 19-10-1 and sits at number 10 in the UFC middleweight rankings. The 32-year-old southpaw from Italy trains out of American Top Team and has established himself as one of the more active strikers in the division, landing 4.68 significant strikes per minute. He expressed disappointment at being unable to compete, though no details regarding rescheduling or a potential replacement opponent were provided.
His opponent, Ismail Naurdiev, holds a record of 25-8-0 and represents Austria out of Top Team Salzburg. The 29-year-old orthodox fighter stands five-foot-ten with a 74-inch reach and brings a well-rounded profile to the cage, averaging 3.66 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while also contributing 1.48 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Vettori's ranked position at number 10 in the middleweight division means this withdrawal stalls potential movement up the rankings ladder for both men.
- Naurdiev now faces an uncertain path forward, with no confirmed replacement or rescheduled date announced.
- The removal of what was considered a significant matchup leaves a notable gap on the UFC Baku card.
