--- title: "Fiziev Halts Skid with Vicious KO at UFC Baku" description: "Rare submissions and fast finishes highlight a thrilling card in Azerbaijan." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ufc-baku-results-fiziev-vs-torres-mma-fighting-3398bbe6 published: 2026-06-29T21:03:24.221+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T21:03:24.221+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Fiziev Halts Skid with Vicious KO at UFC Baku > Rare submissions and fast finishes highlight a thrilling card in Azerbaijan. Rafael Fiziev snapped a four-fight losing streak with a brutal second-round knockout of Manuel Torres in the main event at UFC Baku. The victory keeps Fiziev's lightweight title hopes alive after a rough patch, while Torres falls to 5-1 in the UFC. The card, held at the National Gymnastics Arena, was packed with finishes and rare submissions, including Asu Almabayev's Suloev stretch submission. In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira fought to a decision in a closely contested bout. Magomedov's precise striking edged out Pereira's creativity, earning him a split decision victory. Earlier, Almabayev submitted Christian Leroy Duncan with a Suloev stretch, a rare submission in MMA, further highlighting the card's technical prowess. Other notable results included Brunno Ferreira's first-round knockout of Denis Tiuliulin and Ikram Aliskerov's submission win over Antonio Trocoli. The preliminary card also delivered, with fast finishes and dominant performances from fighters like Gadzhi Omargadzhiev and Farid Basharat. The UFC’s decision to stage the event in Baku underscored the organization’s push into new markets, drawing a raucous crowd that reflected the growing appetite for MMA in the region. Fighters from former Soviet states delivered standout performances, signaling a potential shift in the sport’s talent pipeline. Fiziev’s knockout was a masterclass in pressure striking, blending volume with precision. His ability to cut off the cage and land combinations underlined why he remains a threat despite recent setbacks. Torres, a former Bellator champion, absorbed heavy shots before succumbing, exposing vulnerabilities that could derail his UFC trajectory if unaddressed. The finish‑fest at Baku wasn’t a fluke. Six of the twelve bouts ended before the final bell, a rate that eclipses the UFC’s seasonal average. Fans responded with chants and a palpable energy that turned the National Gymnastics Arena into a pressure cooker. The rapid conclusions amplified the event’s shareability, feeding the UFC’s digital metrics and justifying the gamble on an untested market. Beyond the headline‑grabbing KO, the card highlighted a technical evolution in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Asu Almabayev’s Suloev stretch, a submission seen once every few years, reminded analysts that grappling innovation is alive and well. Meanwhile, the striking precision of Shara Magomedov and the unorthodox creativity of Michel Pereira underscored a stylistic diversification that could force coaches to rethink preparation for Eastern European opponents. "It feels amazing to be back in the win column," Fiziev said post-fight. "I knew I had to make a statement, and I'm glad I did it in front of these amazing fans." Torres, despite the loss, showed resilience and will look to bounce back in his next outing. What's next: Fiziev's win positions him back in the lightweight contender conversation, with a potential top-10 matchup on the horizon. Torres will aim to regroup after his first UFC loss, while Magomedov and Pereira's performances could lead to higher-profile matchups. The UFC’s Baku experiment suggests more events in the region, with fighters from Eastern Europe and Central Asia poised to capitalize on the exposure. ## Why this matters Fiziev’s victory is crucial for his lightweight title aspirations after a challenging stretch. His knockout power and technical striking remain elite, keeping him relevant in a crowded division. Torres, despite the loss, remains a prospect to watch. The card's rare submissions and fast finishes showcased the depth and excitement of the UFC's roster, making UFC Baku a memorable event for fans and a significant stepping stone for several fighters. The event’s success in Baku signals the UFC’s strategic expansion into underserved markets, while the performances of regional athletes hint at a new wave of contenders emerging from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. ## Frequently asked ### How did Rafael Fiziev win at UFC Baku? Rafael Fiziev won by a brutal second-round knockout over Manuel Torres in the main event at UFC Baku, snapping a four-fight losing streak. ### What was the result of the co-main event between Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira? Shara Magomedov defeated Michel Pereira by split decision in the co-main event at UFC Baku, showcasing precise striking against Pereira's creativity. ### Who pulled off a rare Suloev stretch submission at UFC Baku? Asu Almabayev pulled off a rare Suloev stretch submission against Christian Leroy Duncan, highlighting the technical prowess on display at UFC Baku. ### What does Fiziev's win mean for his lightweight title hopes? Fiziev's win keeps his lightweight title hopes alive after a rough patch, positioning him back in the contender conversation with a potential top-10 matchup on the horizon. ### Why did the UFC choose Baku for this event? The UFC’s decision to stage UFC Baku reflected its push into new markets, leveraging the growing appetite for MMA in the region and drawing a raucous crowd that underscored the event’s success. ### Which fighters from Eastern Europe or Central Asia stood out at UFC Baku? Fighters like Shara Magomedov and Asu Almabayev delivered standout performances, signaling a potential shift in the sport’s talent pipeline from former Soviet states. ## Sources & Citations - [UFC Baku Results: Fiziev vs. Torres - MMA Fighting](https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/496532/ufc-baku-results-fiziev-vs-torres) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Fiziev Halts Skid with Vicious KO at UFC Baku. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ufc-baku-results-fiziev-vs-torres-mma-fighting-3398bbe6