UFC on ABC 8 – Tagir Ulanbekov vs Azat Maksum – Full Fight Replay Available Today

On June 20, 2025, at UFC on ABC 8 inside the Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan, Tagir Ulanbekov and Azat Maksum delivered a strategic and high-paced flyweight battle that underscored the depth of the division. Originally slated to face Kyoji Horiguchi, Ulanbekov instead met Maksum on short notice, and both fighters entered with strong records—Ulanbekov at 16–2 and ranked #12, and Maksum at 15–1, looking to make a statement in his third UFC appearance.

From the opening bell, Ulanbekov showcased the relentless sambo pressure that has become his trademark. Constantly cutting off the cage, he executed timely takedowns and imposed suffocating top control, frustrating Maksum’s attempts to stay upright. While Maksum remained composed and landed crisp counters from the southpaw stance, Ulanbekov’s chain wrestling and positional awareness limited any sustained offense.

In Round 2, Maksum upped his urgency, landing a few sharp shots in the exchanges. But Ulanbekov weathered the flurries and returned to what he does best—controlling the tempo with clinch work and well-timed level changes. The Dagestani fighter maintained composure and dominance on the ground, further breaking down Maksum’s base.

By Round 3, both fighters showed signs of fatigue, but Ulanbekov continued to pressure forward. Even when Maksum found space to fire his left hand, Ulanbekov’s takedown entries and ground control nullified any real momentum shift. The final bell marked the end of a calculated war, and all three judges scored the bout in favor of Tagir Ulanbekov by unanimous decision.

This win extended Ulanbekov’s streak to four and reinforced his position among the flyweight elite. Maksum, though defeated, earned respect with his durability and composure against a seasoned grappler. On a historic night in Baku, Ulanbekov’s disciplined wrestling once again proved decisive, as he outpointed a game Maksum and took another step toward the top of the division.