A new arrival’s debut inside the Octagon has undergone a late and unexpected change ahead of fight night.
On June 21, the UFC will arrive in Baku for the first time with a strong fight night card that features several highly anticipated matchups.
The weigh-ins on Friday morning have already been completed with each and every fighter hitting the mark, including the two men involved in the light heavyweight main event, Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Along with a fascinating co-main event clash in the lightweight division, one of the most intriguing contests for hardcore fight fans sees a former RIZIN and Bellator star make the walk for the first time.
Tofiq Musayev will take on Myktybek Orolbai on the main card in his first fight in well over a year as he gets to compete in front of his home fans.
Tofiq Musayev vs Myktybek Orolbai is now set to take place at a catchweight at UFC Baku
While every fight has now been confirmed for UFC Baku following the weigh-ins, there was some confusion when both Tofiq Musayev and Myktybek Orolbai stepped onto the scales.
They were originally scheduled to meet at 155 pounds but both men came in way over the lightweight limit.
Musayev hit the scales at 163 while Orolbai came in at 165 and while a full explanation hasn’t been revealed as of yet, an update has been issued.
The UFC confirmed that the matchup will take place at a catchweight of 165 pounds though it hasn’t been reported when this decision was made and which side pushed for this.
With Orolbai’s last outing, a fight of the night bout with Mateusz Rebecki at UFC 308 last October, also taking place at a catchweight after being scheduled for lightweight, some fans suggested that the 27-year-old may need to move up a weight class following June 21.
Tofiq Musayev is looking to hit the ground running in his UFC debut at 35 years old
With a pro record of 22-5, Tofiq Musayev is set to enter the UFC as a veteran of the sport, having faced quality opposition during his time in RIZIN and Bellator.
It makes a lot of sense for the promotion to sign Musayev for this card, given that he fights out of Baku and represents Azerbaijan, but he believes that he can put together a serious run despite his age.
“People are always talking about my age, but I don’t feel old at all,” Musayev told the media ahead of fight night in Baku. “I feel great. Age is just a number for me. I have a lot of experience, and I believe experience is more important than age. I’m here to show everyone that I can still compete at the highest level and make a run for the title.”
Musayev is currently riding a two-fight win and finish streak, having not fought since his final appearance in RIZIN, which took place in November of 2023.