UFC Baku Scandal: Cheater and $100K ‘Fight of the Night’ Loser Rushed to Local Hospital

It’s always a good idea to prioritize safety, especially in high-risk sports.

Earlier today, June 21, 2025, the tension was high at UFC Baku, where lightweight fighters Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta put on a thrilling show for the crowd at Baku Crystal Hall. They battled fiercely for two rounds until Sadykhov delivered a knockout in the second round.

Unfortunately, Motta was taken to a local hospital for a precautionary CT scan to check for injuries. No results have been shared yet, but his unfortunate trip may have a silver lining. Both fighters earned a bonus of $100,000—$50,000 for “Fight of the Night” and an additional $50,000 for “Performance of the Night.” Motta found out about his bonus while recovering in the hospital.

Another fighter, Ismail Naurdiev, also faced health checks post-fight. He lost to Jun-yong Park but not without controversy. Naurdiev’s fight was riddled with fouls, including eye pokes and an illegal knee strike that led to Park losing two points. This is a rare sanction in UFC history, seen only a couple of times before in major matches.

As both fighters recover, the conversations around safety and regulations in combat sports grow louder. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing assessments of fighter health and safety protocols, especially after such intense bouts. Recent studies indicate that fighters are at heightened risk for long-term health issues, making these precautionary measures vital.

Events like these keep fans on the edge of their seats, reflecting the sport’s unpredictable nature while raising important discussions about fighter welfare. As more fighters share their experiences on social platforms, the conversation about safety in combat sports continues to gather momentum.

For ongoing updates and highlights from UFC Baku, you can check MMAmania.com.



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