The fairy tale ending Azerbaijan had dreamed of turned into a nightmare on June 21, 2025. In front of 27,000 passionate fans at the Baku Crystal Hall, Tofiq Musayev’s long-awaited UFC debut ended in devastating fashion as Myktybek Orolbai silenced the crowd with a brutal first-round kimura submission.
What was meant to be a triumphant homecoming for Azerbaijan’s fighting hero became a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of mixed martial arts. The sound of Musayev’s anguished screams echoed through the arena as Orolbai’s kimura tore through his shoulder, officially ending the fight at 4:35 of the first round.
Official Result: Myktybek Orolbai def. Tofiq Musayev by submission (kimura), Round 1, 4:35
Table of Contents
Heartbreak in Baku: When Dreams Meet Reality
The fairy tale ending Azerbaijan had dreamed of turned into a nightmare on June 21, 2025. In front of 27,000 passionate fans at the Baku Crystal Hall, Tofiq Musayev’s long-awaited UFC debut ended in devastating fashion as Myktybek Orolbai silenced the crowd with a brutal first-round kimura submission.
What was meant to be a triumphant homecoming for Azerbaijan’s fighting hero became a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of mixed martial arts. The sound of Musayev’s anguished screams echoed through the arena as Orolbai’s kimura tore through his shoulder, officially ending the fight at 4:35 of the first round.
Official Result: Myktybek Orolbai def. Tofiq Musayev by submission (kimura), Round 1, 4:35
The Fight That Broke Azerbaijan’s Heart
Early Exchanges and False Hope
The fight began exactly as many predicted – with Musayev looking to establish his striking while Orolbai immediately sought to bring the action to the ground. Musayev landed a few shots standing, including a nice uppercut, but he was expending a ton of energy.
The home crowd roared with every strike their hero landed, but seasoned observers could see the writing on the wall. Orolbai’s wrestling pressure was relentless, and despite Musayev’s power, the Azerbaijani veteran was fighting Orolbai’s fight from the opening bell.
The Crushing Finish
Orolbai made his intention to wrestle clear off the jump, shooting for an early single leg takedown. What followed was a systematic breakdown of Musayev’s defensive game as the Kyrgyz fighter imposed his will on the ground.
Just before the first round came to a close, Orolbai locked up a kimura from half guard, stepped over the head, and secured the finish. The technical execution was flawless, but the emotional devastation was palpable as Musayev’s screams of pain silenced 27,000 fans who had come to witness history.
Analysis: When Predictions Become Reality
The Grappling Advantage Proves Decisive
The pre-fight analysis had been prophetic. Orolbai’s wrestling credentials and UFC experience proved to be the decisive factors many experts had predicted. While Musyaev definitely received a massive ovation from the crowd, Orolbai was quick to silence them after he grabbed an early takedown and brought the fight to the ground.
Musayev’s Vulnerability Exposed
The fight exposed exactly what critics had worried about – Musayev’s susceptibility to high-level grapplers. His three previous submission losses had been a red flag, and Orolbai capitalized on this weakness with clinical precision.
The 35-year-old’s striking power, which had carried him through 18 knockout victories, never had a chance to materialize against Orolbai’s suffocating wrestling pressure.
Post-Fight Aftermath and Implications
Orolbai’s Statement Victory
Fan-favorite lightweight contender, Mykybek Orolbai is back to winning-ways tonight against former Rizin FF lightweight tournament winner, Tofiq Musayev — upsetting the Azerbaijan crowd with a dominant opening round kimura submission win over the home twon favorite at UFC Baku.
For Orolbai, this victory represents more than just a win – it’s a statement that he belongs among the lightweight division’s elite contenders. Orolbai returned to the winning column after losing his last fight against Mateusz Rebecki and even registered his sixth career submission victory and second in the UFC.
Musayev’s Road Ahead
For Tofiq Musayev, he’ll have to open his account in his next fight. The defeat, while devastating, doesn’t define his UFC career. Many great fighters have suffered setbacks in their promotional debuts, but the manner of this loss – a submission to his known weakness – raises questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Fight Statistics and Breakdown
Key Performance Metrics
Orolbai’s Dominance:
- Controlled the fight from opening bell
- Successfully implemented wrestling game plan
- Secured sixth career submission victory
- Silenced 27,000 hostile fans
Musayev’s Struggles:
- Home crowd advantage neutralized
- Unable to establish striking rhythm
- Struggled with takedown defense
- Fell victim to superior grappling
The Harsh Reality of Mixed martial Arts
A Cautionary Tale
Tofiq Musayev’s UFC debut serves as a sobering reminder that mixed martial arts is an unforgiving sport where dreams can be shattered in an instant. The 35-year-old’s journey from Rizin champion to UFC hopeful ended not with glory, but with the harsh reality of elite-level competition.
The Crowd’s Silence
In the packed 25,000-capacity Baku Crystal Hall, Myktybek Orolbai silenced the crowd with his dominant performance. The image of devastated fans filing out of the arena will remain one of the lasting memories of UFC Baku – a reminder that in fighting, there are no guaranteed endings.
Looking Forward
While this night didn’t go as planned for Azerbaijan’s fighting community, it represents an important milestone – the UFC’s first event in the country. Future Azerbaijani fighters will benefit from this experience, understanding that success at the highest level requires more than just heart and home crowd support.
Read More: Jofra Archer Sussex Return: First Championship Match in 4 Years
FAQs
Did Tofiq Musayev win his UFC debut?
No, Tofiq Musayev lost his UFC debut to Myktybek Orolbai via kimura submission at 4:35 of the first round at UFC Baku on June 21, 2025.
How did Myktybek Orolbai beat Tofiq Musayev?
Orolbai defeated Musayev with a kimura submission in the first round. He took Musayev down early, controlled him on the ground, and secured the kimura from half guard before stepping over the head to finish the submission.
What was the crowd reaction at UFC Baku?
The 27,000-strong crowd at Baku Crystal Hall was initially electric, cheering loudly for their hometown hero. However, they were silenced when Orolbai secured the submission victory, with some fans leaving the arena in disappointment.
Was this result expected?
Many experts predicted Orolbai would win due to his wrestling advantage and UFC experience. The betting odds favored Orolbai at -160, reflecting the market’s confidence in his ability to exploit Musayev’s grappling weaknesses.
What’s next for Tofiq Musayev after this loss?
Musayev will need to regroup and address his grappling deficiencies before his next UFC appearance. The promotion will likely give him another opportunity, but he’ll need to show improvements in his takedown defense and submission game.
How significant was this win for Myktybek Orolbai?
This was a crucial victory for Orolbai, helping him bounce back from his previous loss to Mateusz Rebecki. The dominant performance in hostile territory showcased his mental toughness and grappling prowess, potentially setting him up for bigger fights in the lightweight division.
