Tahir Abdullayev bit Jefferson Nascimento during their contest at UFC Baku in an incident that went unnoticed by the referee. The foul, which carries potential disciplinary consequences, escaped official attention during the fight.
A biting incident marred the UFC Baku card on June 28, 2026, when Azerbaijani fighter Tahir Abdullayev was caught biting opponent Jefferson Nascimento during their contest — a foul that went undetected by the referee in the moment and now threatens to carry serious disciplinary consequences.
Abdullayev, known as "Tank," carries a 20-3-0 record and competes out of Phuket Top Team. The 29-year-old orthodox fighter from Azerbaijan stands 173 centimeters tall with a 185-centimeter reach. Fighting in front of what was likely a heavily partisan home crowd in Baku, the incident represents a significant stain on what should have been a high-profile appearance on home soil.
Nascimento, nicknamed "Toddynho," entered the bout with an impressive 13-1-0 record for Renovacao Fight Team. The 27-year-old Brazilian stands at the same height as his opponent at 173 centimeters, though he carries a slightly shorter reach of 178 centimeters. The undetected foul raises questions about whether the result of the contest could face a formal review.
Why it matters
- Biting is among the most serious fouls in mixed martial arts and typically draws automatic disciplinary review from athletic commissions and the promotion.
- Because the referee did not catch the infraction in real time, the outcome of the bout may be subject to an official challenge or overturn pending investigation.
- The incident occurred on Azerbaijani soil with a local fighter involved, adding a layer of political and promotional sensitivity to how the UFC and relevant authorities choose to respond.
- Nascimento's near-perfect record gives him strong standing to pursue a formal complaint, while Abdullayev faces potential suspension or sanctions that could derail his career momentum.
