The UFC’s inaugural visit to Azerbaijan is just around the corner, and I’m back to assist with all your betting needs for a Baku fight card brimming with top-ranked talent from the prelims to the main event.
The UFC odds are live at top-rated sportsbooks, there’s value to be snatched, so let’s dive right into my most noteworthy betting picks for the UFC Baku preliminary card bouts.
The Picks
- Oban Elliott Wins Inside the Distance (+175)
- Jun Yong Park Moneyline (-175)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Seokhyeon Ko vs. Oban Elliott
UFC Baku Welterweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – 12:00 PM EDT at Baku Crystal Hall
Seokhyeon Ko
South Korean prospect Seokhyeon Ko boasts a four-fight win streak, including a decision victory on Dana White’s Contender Series that earned him a UFC contract ahead of his promotional debut this weekend. Still, as one of the biggest underdogs on the card, it might be a case of ‘too much, too soon’ for the heavy-handed slugger.
- Ko Pro Record: 11-2
- KO/TKO Wins: 6
- Ko Submission Wins: 0
Oban Elliott
‘The Welsh Gangster’ Oban Elliott has been doubted in 50% of his octagon appearances since DWCS, but here we are… three fights into his UFC career and the Welshman’s 8-fight win streak remains intact as he welcomes one of the heaviest hitters he’s faced to date in the cage this weekend.
- Elliott Pro Record: 12-2
- Elliott KO/TKO Wins: 3
- Elliott Submission Wins: 3
Ko vs. Elliott: Fight Tape Analysis
Listen, Ko has a pretty cool surname, and he’s lived up to his family name with three KO/TKO stoppage wins in 3 of his last 4. However, I still can’t get over how robotic he looks. While an aggressive nature with heavy hands will get you so far, he’s now fighting in the big leagues versus an opponent that’s riding high behind a respectable win streak versus the upper echelon.
Not only do I believe a lack of experience will work against Ko here, but I also envision his pressure-based striking style aligning closely with Elliot’s. Counter strikes and the opportunity for takedowns might be available all fight long for the Welsh Gangster, and as we’ve yet to see Ko compete at the highest level, but also have two losses (Both by knockout) on his record, I worry for his chances against the surging prospect.
UFC Baku Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC pricing makes Elliott the biggest favorite at UFC Baku alongside Nazim Sadykhov, and although it’s a wide line, you can’t help but favor the favorite in this spot.
Elliott has a diverse skill set that has already proven its worth in the UFC. In contrast, Ko has shown to predominantly be a head-hunting striker whose defensive recklessness in exchanges is wide open to receive a cracked chin.
The value is on Elliott to win this fight inside the distance. I see Ko overextending and getting caught with a counter, or surrender takedowns where a potential submission can emerge. I know Elliott has gone the distance a lot, but styles make fights, and Ko’s two career losses are by knockout for a reason. That’s because his aggression can sometimes backfire and expose defensive flaws.
UFC Pick: Oban Elliott Inside the Distance (+175) [1u returns 1.75u profit] at Bet365
Ismail Naurdiev vs. Jun Yong Park
UFC Baku Middleweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – 12:00 PM EDT at Baku Crystal Hall
Ismail Naurdiev
Ismail Naurdiev struggled to get it together early in his UFC career, holding a 2-2 record. Still, following a return to the regional scene, he returned to the octagon last October and notched a victory at the beginning of his UFC “redemption tour.”
Can he redeem the flat record he once held? Only time will tell, but with a mixed 4-3 record on his returns to the regionals, I’m surprised the UFC gave him a second opportunity whatsoever.
- Naurdiev pro Record: 24-7
- Naurdiev KO/TKO Wins: 12
- Naurdiev Submission Wins: 6
Jun Yong Park
Jun Yong Park, best known to you and me as the ‘Iron Turtle,’ should be riding a six-fight win streak right now because we all know that Andre Muniz decision was nonsense. In my eyes, he’s unbeaten in six fights since 2021, a streak that includes three rear-naked chokes inside the first two rounds.
Considering the level of opposition he’s faced compared to Naurdiev, and with all the juiced favorites at UFC Baku, Park at -175 was a surprise, and is a line that could potentially be one of the sleeper pieces of value on the card.
- Park Pro Record: 18-6
- Park KO/TKO Wins: 5
- Park Submission Wins: 6
Naurdiev vs. Park: Fight Tape Analysis
The red flag with Park is that he does love a split decision, and this lack of conviction in fights has surfaced too many times. However, his UFC experience alone will be a huge advantage in this fight versus an opponent who has struggled for consistency both in the UFC and on the regional scene.
Yes, Naurdiev was successful in his UFC return, but a complexly washed Bruno Silva isn’t exactly a victory to scream about. More to the point, the grappling he found success in during that bout won’t be available against Park, whose wrestling and grappling have been a significant factor throughout his career.
Naurdiev can wrestle somewhat, although his bread and butter is supposed to be striking. That said, aside from the grappling, Park shouldn’t struggle to clear the striking numbers battle because he simply throws more in all positions overall.
Another concern I have for Naurdiev is his cardio and checking out mid-fight. If there’s one sure bet about Park, it’s that he will fight for your money from the opening bell until the bout is complete.
UFC Baku Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC pricing makes Park a slight favorite, but as previously mentioned, this moneyline value stands out in a card full of juice, particularly due to the inconsistency and unpredictability of what Naurdiev will potentially show up with.
Could Naurdiev shoot 10 takedowns after watching Muniz land points versus Park via this method? Could Naurdiev fail 50% of said takedowns and be swept into position, then submitted once his cardio wears down? Also yes… And I’m siding with the latter.
UFC Pick: Jun Yong Park ML (-175) [1.75u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
