UFC, a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, has signed a multi‑year agreement with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku City Circuit Operations Company to stage annual UFC Fight Nights in Baku through 2028. The first event under the deal, UFC Fight Night Baku, will take place on Saturday, June 27 2026, at the National Gymnastics Arena, a venue that can seat between 5,000 and 9,000 spectators.
The partnership follows a sold‑out debut event that drew more than 14,000 fans at the Baku Crystal Hall on June 21 2025. The new venue’s capacity of 5,000‑9,000 seats reflects a strategic shift to a more intimate setting that still accommodates a large audience while offering better revenue opportunities from ticket sales and concessions.
Strategically, the deal expands UFC’s presence in the Middle East and Central Asia, complementing existing events in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. It positions TKO Group Holdings to capture a share of a growing sports‑entertainment market and to diversify its media rights and sponsorship portfolio in a region that has shown strong appetite for mixed‑martial‑arts content.
Financially, the partnership adds new revenue streams from ticket sales, sponsorships, and media rights. TKO Group Holdings reported Q4 2025 earnings of an EPS of –$0.08 and revenue of $1.04 billion, while Q1 2025 revenue reached $1.27 billion with an adjusted EBITDA of $417.4 million. The company has also pursued a significant share‑repurchase program, underscoring confidence in its cash‑flow generation and shareholder value creation.
Management emphasized the significance of the deal. UFC President and CEO Dana White said, "Baku is one of the best cities in the world to visit. It's beautiful and home to some of the greatest people you'll ever meet. I was completely blown away when I visited last year. The hospitality was next level, and the fans were incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the sport." Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov added, "Securing a multi‑year partnership with UFC marks a significant milestone in Azerbaijan's strategy to solidify its status as a premier global sports destination." Baku City Circuit Operations Company General Director Maqsud Farzullayev noted, "Following the incredible sold‑out reception of last year's UFC debut, we are thrilled to extend our partnership and bring Fight Nights back to Baku."
The agreement signals TKO’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and monetizing new markets. By securing a long‑term presence in Baku, UFC and TKO are poised to generate incremental revenue from ticketing, sponsorships, and broadcast rights, while reinforcing the brand’s position as a leading provider of premium sports entertainment in a region with growing demand for live events.
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