Nazim Sadykhov’s dream has come true.
Hailing from Azerbaijan, Sadykhov (10-1-1 MMA, 3-0-1 UFC) is set to compete in his home country’s capital of Baku at the upcoming UFC Fight Night on June 21. He will face off against Nikolas Motta (15-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in a three-round lightweight clash, marking the UFC’s inaugural event in Azerbaijan.
Sources familiar with the matchup disclosed to MMA Junkie about the fight, but requested anonymity as the official announcement from the promotion is pending.
The undefeated Sadykhov, 30, has secured victories over Evan Elder, Terrance McKinney, and Ismael Bonfim in the UFC. Additionally, he engaged in a memorable Fight of the Night bout against Viacheslav Borshchev.
Meanwhile, Motta, 32, had a rocky start in the UFC with a record of 1-2 with one no contest in his initial four fights. However, he has since bounced back with consecutive wins, including a swift 63-second knockout of Tom Nolan and a unanimous decision triumph over Maheshate Hayisaer.
The UFC Fight Night card in Baku now features:
- Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
- Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov
- Nikolas Motta vs. Nazim Sadykhov
- Ismail Naurdiev vs. Jun Yong Park
- Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman
- Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Sygula
- Melissa Mullins vs. Darya Zheleznyakova