Farman Hasanov claims Baku edge as UFC Azerbaijan builds buzz
DIRECT ANSWER: Farman Hasanov says the psychological advantage is his before his UFC debut against Eric Nolan at UFC Fight Night Baku on June 27, as a new UFC Unfiltered episode spotlights Christian Rodriguez, Levan Chokheli, and the promotion's Azerbaijan push now tied to a multi-year deal through 2028.
Key Takeaways
- UFC Unfiltered's latest episode features Christian Rodriguez, Levan Chokheli, and UFC Azerbaijan, per UFC.com.
- Farman Hasanov told Offsideplus that home support in Baku gives him motivation—not pressure—ahead of his Nolan bout.
- Dana White signed a multi-year Baku partnership through 2028 after a sold-out 2025 debut drew more than 14,000 fans.
- ANCA accuses the UFC of sportswashing Azerbaijan amid allegations of ethnic cleansing and human-rights abuses.
What did the latest UFC Unfiltered episode cover?
The UFC released a new UFC Unfiltered installment titled "Christian Rodriguez, Levan Chokheli, and UFC Azerbaijan." According to UFC.com, both fighters joined the show as featured guests.
The episode title pairs Rodriguez and Chokheli with UFC Azerbaijan as the promotion builds toward UFC Fight Night Baku, where local debutant Farman Hasanov is scheduled to compete.
Why does Farman Hasanov believe he holds the edge in Baku?
In an exclusive Offsideplus interview, Farman Hasanov said he feels good during fight week even while cutting weight. He trained in the United States and returned to Baku three weeks before facing American Eric Nolan at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 27.
Hasanov reached the UFC after three LFA victories and called making his debut in his hometown a twist of fate. When asked who holds the psychological advantage, he answered: "The psychological advantage will definitely be on my side."
He carries a 5-0 professional record while Nolan has four UFC losses. Hasanov predicted he would move to 6-0 and said he expects all four Azerbaijani fighters on the card to win. His nickname, "The Lion," comes from his father, who always called him that.
When is UFC Fight Night Baku and what is at stake?
UFC Fight Night Baku takes place Saturday, June 27, at the National Gymnastics Arena. It is the first event under a multi-year agreement that will bring annual Fight Nights to Baku through 2028.
That partnership followed the promotion's June 21, 2025, debut in Azerbaijan—a sold-out card headlined by Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. at Baku Crystal Hall that drew more than 14,000 fans, according to TKO Group Holdings figures cited by the Irish Star.
For Hasanov, the night is a first UFC appearance on home soil. He invited fans to support the Azerbaijani athletes and promised an entertaining show.
Why is UFC's Azerbaijan deal drawing sportswashing criticism?
Commercial momentum has not quieted political pushback. The Irish Star reports that CEO Dana White signed the multi-year pact with Azerbaijan's Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company despite criticism after last summer's inaugural card.
White praised Baku's beauty, hospitality, and passionate, knowledgeable fans. Minister Farid Gayibov called the deal a milestone in Azerbaijan's strategy to become a premier global sports destination and give national fighters a platform before a home crowd.
Human-rights advocates see a darker story. The Armenian National Committee of America accused the UFC of sportswashing, citing alleged war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and the forced depopulation of nearly 120,000 Armenians plus detentions of former Artsakh leaders in September 2023. ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian argued the Baku card risks becoming a propaganda moment rather than a pure sporting celebration.
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