On the past Saturday, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made its inaugural appearance in Azerbaijan. However, this event turned out to be notably underwhelming. The main attraction featured a slow-paced fight between light heavyweights Khalil Rountree Jr and Jamahal Hill, which Rountree Jr ultimately dominated with a decision win. Despite the Azeri fans' well-known fervor, the atmosphere in the arena dampened early on as there hadn't been a single finish from the first six fights. It wasn't until the eighth bout, an intense showdown between Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta, that the first knockout of the night occurred, marking one of the best fights of the year. Following this thrilling encounter, only one more match ended in a finish among the 12-fight card.

Amidst the less-than-stellar performances, the battle between lightweight contenders Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta stood out vividly. This contest was characterized by fierce exchanges and relentless aggression, culminating in a dramatic knockout by Sadykhov in the second round. Their impressive display earned them each a $100,000 bonus from UFC President Dana White, who praised their combined total of 159 strikes in the first round alone. The sheer intensity and skill showcased during this bout captured the essence of what fans hope for in every UFC event.

However, not all fighters were rewarded similarly. Myktybek Orolbai secured a swift submission victory over Tofiq Musayev, yet he did not receive a performance bonus. Dana White justified this decision by pointing out that Orolbai failed to make weight before the fight, missing it by a significant 10 pounds. White emphasized that mastering the discipline of making weight is crucial for any aspiring champion, thereby withholding the bonus despite Orolbai's promising performance.

The UFC's debut in Baku left a mixed impression on both attendees and viewers worldwide. While most matches lacked excitement, the exceptional performance by Sadykhov and Motta provided a memorable highlight. Their commendable effort underscored the importance of perseverance and determination in the world of mixed martial arts. Moving forward, the UFC will undoubtedly aim to bring more electrifying matchups to future international events, ensuring that passionate fanbases like those in Azerbaijan are thoroughly entertained.