UFC Baku: Rafael Fiziev vs. Ignacio Bahamondes: Live round-by-round updates

This Saturday, in the co-main event of UFC Baku, live from Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan, No.11-ranked lightweight Rafael Fiziev will lock horns with surging contender Ignacio Bahamondes.

Fiziev (12-4), who met Justin Gaethje on short notice earlier this year in a rematch at UFC 313 and lost by unanimous decision, did exhibit incredible striking and put on a powerful and captivating performance. This weekend at UFC Baku, the Azerbaijan native will look to snap his three-fight losing streak against the in-form Bahamondes, who has won his last three fights.

'La Jaula' last fought Jalin Turner at UFC 313 and won by Round 1 submission, retiring Turner. The 27-year-old has tremendous knockout power and boasts a pro MMA record of 17-5 (11 knockout wins). Anticipating the stats, both co-main fighters will be aiming for a finish. Hence, fans should expect the three-round co-main event not to go the entire distance.

UFC Baku coverage begins on Saturday, June 21, at 12:00 pm ET on ESPN+ and ESPN 2. The main card is scheduled to start at 3 pm ET on ABC and ESPN+.

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Round 1

Fiziev and Bahamondes trade leg strikes in the first round. Fiziev is trying to maintain distance and is in no rush to land big at the moment.

Fiziev stuns Bahamondes with a right hand. Fiziev tries to pressure Bahamondes, but the latter does not let him. Fiziev and Bahamondes continue to switch stances. Bahamondes tries to land a big right, but Fiziev ducks. Fiziev lands another.

Our Score: 10-9 Fiziev

Round 2

Bahamondes looks more aggressive in this round. He shoots for a takedown in the opening minute but fails.

Fiziev lands bigger shots on Bahamondes this round. Fiziev looks composed at the moment. Both fighters are trading shots at the center of the octagon, but Fiziev seems to be ducking most of them and also landing the correct ones.

Bahamondes keeps the leg kicks going. Fiziev responds with the same. Fiziev catches Bahamondes with a good combination and takes Bahamondes down.

Fiziev gets another takedown with 40 seconds left. One second before the last bell, Fiziev drops Bahamondes, but the latter survives with time on his side.

Our Score: 10-9 Fiziev (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Fiziev looks more aggressive in this round. Fiziev lands on the body and the head of Bahamondes. Fiziev stuns Bahamondes. Both fighters are brawling at the moment with 3 minutes on the clock.

Bahamondes tries a takedown but fails. Fiziev lands multiple shots and is seeking a finish. Bahamondes tries another takedown, but Fiziev has better takedown defense, and he stays on his feet.

Bahamondes starts to land, but Fiziev takes him down with 40 seconds left. Both fighters try to finish each other on the ground. Fiziev gets another takedown.

Our Score: 10-9 Fiziev (30-27 overall)

Official result: Rafael Fiziev beats Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision.

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Edited by Subham