UFC Baku takes place June 27, airing live at 12pm ET. The card features Rafael Fiziev squaring off against Manuel Torres, while Shara Bullet meets Pereira in a separate bout.
UFC Baku is set for June 27, with the card going live at noon Eastern Time, and two compelling matchups headline the event — Rafael Fiziev against Manuel Torres at lightweight, and Shara Bullet taking on Michel Pereira at middleweight.
Fiziev, known as "Ataman," enters the contest ranked seventh in the lightweight division. The 33-year-old Kazakhstani fighter out of Tiger Muay Thai carries a 14-5 record and has built his reputation as a high-volume striker, landing 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. He fights out of a switch stance and holds a 71-inch reach.
Torres, nicknamed "El Loco," brings a 17-4 record and represents one of the more dangerous opponents in the division. The 31-year-old Mexican fighter from Entram Gym is a switch-stance southpaw threat who lands an eye-catching 7.29 significant strikes per minute at 59 percent accuracy — numbers that rank among the best in the sport. He also adds a mixed-game dimension, averaging 1.72 takedowns and 0.9 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
In the middleweight contest, Michel "Demolidor" Pereira brings his acrobatic and unpredictable style to UFC Baku. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Overcome Academy holds a 32-15 record and sits 15th in the middleweight rankings. Standing six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, Pereira averages 4.46 significant strikes per minute and mixes in takedowns and submission threats to keep opponents guessing.
Why it matters
- Fiziev vs. Torres is a lightweight striker's clash with serious rankings implications at 155 pounds
- Torres's elite striking volume makes him one of the more dangerous matchups in the division for any opponent
- Pereira's middleweight ranking means a strong performance could push him toward the top ten
- Both bouts carry finishing potential, with Torres and Pereira each capable of ending fights in spectacular fashion
