Myktybek Orolbai’s Kimura Spoiled Musayev’s Home Debut
Myktybek Orolbai submitted Tofiq Musayev at 4:35 of the first round at UFC Baku on June 21, 2025. The catchweight contest at Baku Crystal Hall ended with a kimura, cutting short Musayev’s first UFC appearance in his native Azerbaijan.
Persistent takedowns dictated the early action
Orolbai shot for a takedown within the opening exchanges and lifted Musayev, but could not complete the first attempt. After they separated, he changed levels again and brought the fight to the canvas.
He maintained top control before both fighters regained their feet with roughly a minute remaining. Musayev had little time to develop a sustained striking attack before another transition changed the position.
A caught kick led to the submission
Musayev threw a kick to the body after standing. Orolbai caught it and converted the opening into another takedown, returning the action to the ground.
With Musayev’s arm exposed, Orolbai secured the kimura and forced the tap. The finish made his repeated wrestling entries the foundation of a decisive result rather than a route to the judges.
The win restored momentum after a close defeat
Orolbai had lost a split decision to Mateusz Rębecki at UFC 308. Before that, he defeated Elves Brener by decision and submitted Uros Medic in his promotional debut.
Musayev arrived with experience in Bellator and a RIZIN lightweight grand prix victory. Orolbai denied that accomplished opponent a successful home introduction, earning his third UFC win through a first-round submission.
Sources
- UFC: June 21 Baku results and finish classifications
- UFC: catchweight classification, Baku venue and June 21 date
- Cageside Press: early takedowns, caught body kick and kimura
- UFC: Rębecki, Brener and Medic results
