UFC Fight Night Baku: Main Event Breakdown

The UFC returns to Baku, Azerbaijan, with a thrilling light heavyweight showdown between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. as the main event. Hill, a former champion and ESPN's No. 5-ranked light heavyweight, looks to bounce back after two consecutive knockout losses. Rountree, ranked just behind Hill, is coming off a valiant effort against Alex Pereira in a championship bout last October.

Expert Predictions

• Anthony Smith (Retired UFC Fighter): "Hill wins by second-round KO. His unpredictability and unique striking style make him a tough opponent for Rountree."
• Din Thomas (Retired UFC Fighter): "Hill will catch Rountree in the fourth round. Rountree’s performance against Pereira was his peak, and I expect a slight dip this time."

Betting Analysis

Ian Parker (ESPN Betting Expert): "Rountree to win (-110). Despite his loss to Pereira, Rountree proved he belongs at the top of the division. Hill’s recent knockout losses make him vulnerable here."

Full UFC Fight Night Card Highlights

• Lightweight: Rafael Fiziev vs. Ignacio Bahamondes Parker’s Pick: Bahamondes to win (-130). His recent first-round finishes and submission game give him the edge.
• Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Parker’s Pick: Blaydes to win (-250). Kuniev’s UFC debut is a steep step up against Blaydes’ dominant wrestling.
• Lightweight: Tofiq Musayev vs. Myktybek Orolbai Parker’s Pick: Over 1.5 rounds. Expect a back-and-forth battle with Orolbai’s wrestling neutralizing Musayev’s striking.

PFL Semifinals: Key Fights to Watch

• Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Kevin Lee Parker’s Pick: Rabadanov by KO/TKO. Rabadanov’s momentum and power make him a favorite against the veteran Lee.
• Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche vs. Elora Dana Parker’s Pick: Carmouche to win inside the distance. Her experience and finishing ability are too much for the rising prospect Dana.
• Lightweight: Mansour Barnaoui vs. Archie Colgan Parker’s Pick: Colgan to win. His dominant wrestling and knockout power should shut down Barnaoui’s grappling game.
• Women’s Flyweight: Ekaterina Shakalova vs. Jena Bishop Parker’s Pick: Shakalova to win (+105). Her ground game matches Bishop’s, and she has the striking advantage.

Conclusion

This weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Baku and the PFL semifinals promise high-octane action. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, these expert insights and predictions will help you stay ahead of the game.