UFC Baku Results: Rafael Fiziev Stops Manuel Torres as Shara Magomedov Wins Co-Main

Baku delivered violence. UFC Baku produced one of the year's most entertaining Fight Night cards as Rafael Fiziev returned to winning ways with a spectacular stoppage victory over Manuel Torres in front of his home crowd at the National Gymnastics Arena. With six finishes across the first seven preliminary bouts and several standout performances on the main card, the event gave the UFC matchmakers plenty to consider.

Here is the technical fallout from Azerbaijan.

Rafael Fiziev needed a statement. Coming off a knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy, the Azerbaijani striker entered Saturday night under pressure. Manuel Torres arrived riding a run of explosive first-round finishes. The Mexican power puncher thrives in chaos. Fiziev thrives on timing. Timing won.

The opening round was a high-speed chess match. Torres constantly pressed forward looking to force exchanges, while Fiziev remained disciplined. He controlled the distance with excellent lateral movement, regularly stepping outside Torres' lead foot to avoid the jab and dictate where the fight took place.

Then came the finish. Just 15 seconds into the second round, Fiziev made his read. Torres lunged forward, Fiziev pivoted, and a perfectly timed spinning wheel kick landed cleanly before a barrage of precise strikes against the fence forced the referee to step in.

The X-Factor: Footwork. Torres never managed to cut off the cage, allowing Fiziev to dictate both the range and tempo throughout the contest.

What's Next: A matchup with Dan Hooker makes plenty of sense. Both remain dangerous contenders in the lightweight division, and their striking styles would almost certainly produce an entertaining contest.

The co-main event delivered exactly what fans expected. Shara "Bullet" Magomedov and Michel Pereira produced an entertaining striking battle over three rounds, with Magomedov earning a unanimous decision victory (29-28 across the board).

Pereira, who snapped a three-fight losing streak earlier this year, started brightly with explosive attacks and looping hooks that helped him edge the opening round. Magomedov remained composed and gradually took control.

Over the final two rounds, Magomedov repeatedly attacked Pereira's lead leg, limiting the Brazilian's movement and forcing him into far more stationary exchanges. From there, Magomedov established his jab and controlled the striking battle from range.

The X-Factor: Lead leg damage. Once Pereira's movement slowed, Magomedov was able to dictate the striking exchanges from the outside.

What's Next: Magomedov has called for a showdown with Israel Adesanya. Given his recent form, it is a matchup that would certainly generate interest if the UFC decides to move him into title contention.

Nazim Sadykhov received a huge reception from the Baku crowd, but his night lasted just 91 seconds. Matheus Camilo capitalised on a defensive mistake, countering a naked low kick with a perfectly timed right hand that ended the contest instantly.

The X-Factor: Pocket awareness. Sadykhov exposed his chin during the kick entry, and Camilo punished the mistake immediately.

What's Next: Camilo has announced himself as another intriguing lightweight prospect and deserves a significant step up in competition.

Charles Johnson is known for his durability, but Asu Almabayev produced one of the night's most technically impressive performances. After controlling much of the wrestling, Almabayev transitioned beautifully into a rare Suloev stretch submission at 3:33 of the third round.

It remains one of the least common submissions seen inside the Octagon and showcased Almabayev's outstanding grappling ability. The victory improved his UFC record to 7-1.

The X-Factor: Chain wrestling. Johnson never had the opportunity to reset before Almabayev transitioned to his next attack.

What's Next: A top-10 opponent appears to be the logical next step as Almabayev continues his climb through the flyweight rankings.

The preliminary card produced six finishes across its opening seven bouts.

Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev delivered one of the quickest knockouts in UFC light heavyweight history, stopping Julius Walker in just eight seconds with a perfectly timed right hand. The finish matched Houston Alexander for the second-fastest knockout ever recorded in the division, moving the unbeaten prospect to 10-0.

Meanwhile, The Ultimate Fighter 33 winner Daniil Donchenko extended his winning streak to eight with a second-round TKO over short-notice replacement Theodor Berggren after a devastating head kick set up the finish.

UFC Baku delivered one of the strongest Fight Night events of the year, combining highlight-reel finishes with high-level technical performances across the card. Rafael Fiziev's return to winning ways in front of his home fans was the headline moment, while several emerging contenders strengthened their cases for bigger opportunities in the months ahead.