UFC Baku Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres Main Card Preview, Odds, Watch Info & FAQ

The UFC is taking the action half way across the world for a massive fight card at UFC Baku. Featuring some hometown fighters, the Main Card is headlined by a hometown favorite in Rafael Fiziev taking on Manuel Torres.

The bout is scheduled for 5 rounds but as many UFC fans know, a Torres brawl rarely sees the 2nd round! The Co – Main event also features a middle east favorite in Shara Bullet Magomedov taking on Michel Pereira in a 3 round bout.

Many fans are looking forward to the technical kickboxing style of both fighters. The rest of the main card features 4 other high level bouts as the UFC is putting on a show for the Azerbaijan crowd.

Weigh ins are complete and the card is set to kick off at 9 A.M Est with a rare mid day matinee for American UFC fans. The card is quickly approaching so lets dive right into a preview and odds on the Main Card of UFC Baku, Live From Baku Azerbaijan!

All odds presented by our Partner at LuckyRebel as of 6/26/2026 2:22 P.M

Check out the odds for the entire card at the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

Main Event: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres Preview – Lightweight

The headlining match up features a hometown favorite taking on a rising prospect in the division. The Kazakhstan born Rafael Fiziev will take on Manuel Torres in a 5 round main event.

Even though the bout is scheduled for 5 rounds, there is much doubt the bout even makes it to the 2nd round. Torres has 20 pro bouts under his belt yet only 1 fight has ever seen a 2nd round.

The mexican prospect got his first taste of UFC action on The Contender Series in 2021. Torres impressed UFC brass with a brutal 1st round knockout which earned him a UFC contract.

The beginning of his time with the UFC started great by putting together 3 straight victories. All came in very impressive fashion with all ending by 1st round knock out.

In 2024 he faced his biggest hurdle to date when he took on lengthy lightweight Ignacio Bahamondes. Torres struggled with the reach advantage and eventually was chinned at the end of the 1st round, his first knock out loss.

The loss was also the first of his UFC career, leaving Torres no choice but to persevere through adversity. In 2025 he bounced back in a big way with 2 very impressive wins over Drew Dober and Grant Dawson.

Both came in typical Torres fashion, 1st round knock outs. All of the momentum seems to lie on the Torres side here, but Rafael Fiziev is no easy test.

Rafael Fiziev is a proven veteran in the UFC and the #11 contender at light weight. Once ranked much higher, Fiziev has found himself in a tough spot at this point in his career.

Can Fiziev Get Back On Track?

Fiziev is just 1-4 in his last 5 fights in the promotion, a stark contrast from his early time with the UFC. Although he started his UFC run with a knock out loss, At one point Fiziev was on a 6 fight winning streak in the promotion, making a run at the lightweight belt.

The streak came to an end at the hands of current Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. It actually needs to be said that 2 of his last 4 losses come at the hands of the current champion.

To add further context, 1 of those losses came due to injury when his knee exploded against Mateusz Gamrot. After taking all of that into account, the only loss to really judge Fiziev in a negative light should be his last to Mauricio Ruffy.

Unfortunately Fiziev was simply out classed in the striking department and Ruffy was able to dismantle Fiziev. The chin of Fiziev is typically very strong, but broke in the match up being knocked out in the 2nd round.

It came as a surprise to many that Fiziev was so out classed in the striking due to his striking resume. He is a muay thai champion of many kinds and the striking coach at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand, one of the biggest MMA gyms in the world.

It certainly seems that at this point in Fizievs career, his chin gets worse with each fight he is in. The cardio has never been an issue for him though, which should be his biggest advantage in this match up.

On a technical level he is miles beyond Torres in the striking department but Torres will hold the power advantage. If Fiziev can survive a first round onslaught from Torres, I believe he could shine in this match up at home.

Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres Odds:

• Moneyline: Rafael Fiziev (-110) vs Manuel Torres (-110)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-140) / Under (+120)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Manuel Torres By KO/TKO (+125)

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Co – Main Event: Shara Magomedov vs Michel Pereira Preview – Middleweight

The Co – Main event features two talented strikers in the middleweight division. Shara Magomedov will take on Michel Pereira in a 3 round bout.

Michel Pereira has a massive frame for the middleweight division standing at 6'1 and lean. The craziest part is he did not start his UFC career at middleweight, in fact he started his run at welterweight.

The weight cut of 170 lbs proved to be to draining for Pereira. There was a string of 6 cancelled bouts between 2022 and 2023 which did not put him in the good graces of match makers.

Eventually the UFC or Pereira's team said enough is enough and moved him up to middleweight where he has been able to stay much more active. Pereira has found success in the UFC despite weight class with a very funky Capoeira style.

The craziness of his style allows him to land his big power shots. The Brazillian prospect has gone 10-5 in his UFC run with 3 of those losses surprisingly coming in the middleweight division.

It certainly seems as if Pereira has not been able to us his size to his advantage at middleweight. Pereira is aging as well now that he is 32 years old the durability has started to play a factor here.

In 2025 he suffered his first knockout loss in over 7 years to Kyle Daukas. To make matters worse Pereira was a massive favorite that night and expected to handle Daukas with ease.

Since Pereira has bounced back with a decision win over Zach Reese, showing improved cardio. He will be taking on a tough striking test in Shara Magomedov in enemy territory.

Will Shara Continue To Impress?

Shara Magomedov has made quite the splash since joining the UFC in 2023. The russian prospect won his first 4 UFC bouts splitting 2 knock outs with 2 decision victories.

Magomedov is no different then many other top prospects though, having to face adversity early in his career. He received the first loss of his career in 2025 when he was simply out classed in a decision loss to Michael Page.

Magomedov bounced back nicely in 2025 with a big win over Marc – Andre Barriault. Despite not finding the finish Shara was able to defend takedowns and inflict much damage enroute to a decision victory.

Magomedov gained a lot of hype from the MMA community due to only having one functional eye. The prospect does not let the disability stop him in any way, now 16-1 in 17 pro fights.

The exciting style and will power to overcome his dissability is what has quickly made him a fan favorite. The UFC is giving him a very favorable match up here over a slower aging veteran with durability concerns.

Shara Magomedov vs Michel Pereira Odds:

• Moneyline: Shara Magomedov (-400) vs Michel Pereira (+300)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-270) / Under (+222)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Shara Magomedov By KO/TKO (+125)

Nazim Sadykhov vs Matheus Camilo Odds – Lightweight

• Moneyline: Nazim Sadykhov (-182) vs Matheus Camilo (+157)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (+130) / Under (-150)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Nazim Sadykhov By KO/TKO (+160)

Asu Almabayev vs Charles Johnson Odds – Flyweight

• Moneyline: Asu Almabayev (-290) vs Charles Johnson (+245)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (-240) / Under (+200)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Asu Almabayev By Points (+100)

Bruno Ferreira vs Ikram Aliskerov Odds – Middleweight

• Moneyline: Bruno Ferreira (+260) vs Ikram Aliskerov (-310)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-105) / Under (-115)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Ikram Aliskerov By KO/TKO (+120)

Abus Magomedov vs Michal Oleksiejczuk Odds – Middleweight

• Moneyline: Abus Magomedov (-104) vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (-116)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-125) / Under (+105)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Michal Oleksiejczuk By KO/TKO (+195)

UFC Baku Schedule & FAQ

When is UFC Baku?

• UFC Baku will take place Saturday, June 22, 2026.

Where is UFC Baku?

• UFC Baku will go down live at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.

What time does UFC Baku start?

• UFC Baku Preliminary Card start time: 12 p.m. ET
• UFC Baku Main Card start time: 3 p.m. ET

How to Watch UFC Baku?

• UFC Baku Preliminary Card Coverage: Paramount+
• UFC Baku Main Card Coverage: Paramount+

How to Bet on UFC Baku?

Most international and domestic sportsbooks will carry odds for a fight card of this caliber, but check out our best online sportsbooks here to see what Betting News recommends for a great UFC betting experience.

If one thing is for sure, Saturday's card is sure to bring the action. I hope this betting guide helps bring more context to your UFC entertainment experience.

If you want my full card of bets, tune into the Violence Report on our network on Twitch every Saturday, or more gambling content like this make sure to follow me on X or Betting News on all platforms!