UFC Baku Preview

What's good family. Congratulations to everyone who received a stripe or got a belt promotion. If you are competing this weekend, do it with integrity. Alright fight fans, let's now get into the good stuff. Circle this Saturday, June 21 on your calendar, because UFC Fight Night is landing in Baku, and it’s going to be hands thrown from the main event to the opening prelim. The prelims kick off at 12 PM ET, and the main card drops at 3 PM ET—catch it on ESPN+, ABC, or your local plug if you’re in the U.S. This is the UFC 's first time in Azerbaijan, and they’re bringing the heat to Baku Crystal Hall.

Main Event Vibes: Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr.

Jamahal “Sweet Dreams” Hill (12–3, 7 KOs)

• Former champ who’s still trying to wake back up from back-to-back knockout losses to Pereira and Procházka.

• Tall, rangy southpaw (6′4″ with a 79″ reach) who plays the long game—volume striker, slick footwork, and built for five rounds.

Khalil “The War Horse” Rountree Jr. (13–6, 9 KOs)

• Straight-up savage. Coming off a title shot loss but had five straight wins before that.

• Southpaw too, but the difference? Khalil throws with bad intentions. Devastating power, Muay Thai base, and no hesitation.

Tale of the Tape

• Hill: 6′4″, 79″ reach – Clean, technical, works the outside.

• Rountree: 6′1″, 76.5″ reach – Shorter but built to bang. One bomb is all it takes.

Betting Breakdown

• Rountree’s the favorite at –160, Hill sitting around +130.

• Vegas sees a 59% chance for Khalil, 41% for Hill.

• Sharp money’s sniffing a finish under 2.5 rounds—and honestly, that tracks.

The Game Plans

For Rountree:

• Come out hot. Use that Muay Thai clinch, stay aggressive, and look to end it early.

• One clean shot, and Hill’s back in dreamland.

For Hill:

• Keep it long, keep it technical. Jab, kick, repeat.

• Let Khalil swing wild and gas. If Hill survives the storm, his cardio could steal the later rounds.

What the Experts Say

• Some outlets are leaning Rountree by KO—no surprise there.

• Others are riding with Hill as the underdog—better fundamentals, longer gas tank.

• It’s power vs polish. Take your pick.

Co-Main & Must-Watch Fights

• Fiziev vs Bahamondes – This one might steal the show. Fast, flashy, and both guys can put you out cold.

• Blaydes vs Kuniev – Heavyweights always bring chaos. Expect big swings and big drama.

• Abdelwahab vs Usman - Heavyweight mayhem x 2 LFG !!!

Final Word

This one’s got fireworks written all over it. Could end in one, or it could be a gritty chess match—either way, it’s gonna be a banger.

Image: UFC