MMA Match Preview: Azat Maksum (15-1-0) vs. Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2-0)

The flyweight division will see an exciting clash as Azat “Qazaq” Maksum takes on Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Baku, hosted at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. Ulanbekov enters as the heavy favorite while Maksum looks to pull off an upset and climb the rankings.

Fight Details

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: Preliminary Card – Approx. 9:00 AM UTC

Venue: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan

Event: UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree

Fighter Profiles & Stats

Azat Maksum (Kazakhstan) – “Qazaq”

Record: 15-1-0

Age: 30

Height: 5’7″

Weight: 125 lbs

Reach: 70″

Strikes Landed Per Minute: 2.80

Striking Accuracy: 23%

Takedown Accuracy: 22%

Significant Strike Defense: 55%

Maksum is a technical striker with a solid defensive game, absorbing 5.23 significant strikes per minute. However, his low striking accuracy (23%) and takedown success rate (22%) could be areas of concern against a dominant grappler like Ulanbekov. His last fight saw him lose to Charles Johnson via unanimous decision, where he struggled to land clean shots.

Tagir Ulanbekov (Russia) – Eagles MMA Veteran

Record: 16-2-0

Age: 33

Height: 5’7″

Weight: 125 lbs

Reach: 70″

Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.13

Striking Accuracy: 47%

Takedown Accuracy: 47%

Significant Strike Defense: 49%

Ulanbekov is a high-level grappler, averaging 3.56 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the flyweight division. His submission game is elite, with eight career submission victories, including a second-round guillotine choke win over Cody Durden in 2023.

Key Matchups to Watch

Striking Battle: Ulanbekov has the edge in accuracy (47%), while Maksum has better defense (55%).

Takedown Game: Ulanbekov has a 47% takedown accuracy, while Maksum defends 66% of takedown attempts.

Fight Pace: Maksum absorbs 5.23 strikes per minute, meaning Ulanbekov could exploit openings with ground control.

FIGHT ODDS

Azat Maksum                    + 300

Tagir Ulanbekov               – 380

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025