UFC books 2 hulking Brazilians against Russian foes at UFC Baku in June

The first pair of bouts booked for the Ultimate Fighting Championship ’s return to Azerbaijan share a common theme. Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight broke the news on Thursday about the first two matches set for UFC Baku , which will be held at the Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan’s capital city on June 27.

Both fights will be held at 185 pounds, featuring one Brazilian against a Russian adversary. The first will see Michel Pereira (32-14, 2 NC) take on Sharabutdin Magomedov (16-1) in a collision that may have rankings implications at 185 pounds. Pereira confirmed this fight by sharing an AI-generated video of him in pirate captain garb forcing Magomedov to walk the proverbial plank.

“Demolidor” put a three-fight skid behind him by claiming a split decision in a bloody thriller with Zachary Reese at UFC Houston in February. Before getting his hand raised, the high-flying Brazilian had succumbed to strikes from Anthony Hernandez and Kyle Daukaus that bookend a decision defeat to Abusupiyan Magomedov . The former welterweight relocated to 185 pounds in the midst of a huge win streak, one that saw him pick up eight straight victories across two divisions.

Russia’s Magomedov put his first career defeat behind him by claiming a hard-nosed decision victory against Marc-Andre Barriault in July 2025. Not counting his five triumphs in the modified-rules league of Nashe Delo, “Shara Bullet” started his career with 16 straight wins, with 12 of those coming by knockout. After thumping ex-bantamweight Kushal Vyas in Thailand in eight seconds, Magomedov punched his ticket to the Octagon and rattled off four straight victories before running into Michael Page .