‘At home’ in enemy territory: Matheus Camilo plans to ‘throw down’ with Nazim Sadykhov at UFC Baku

Brazilian lightweight Matheus Camilo has arrived in Azerbaijan for a UFC Fight Night clash against Nazim Sadykhov at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on Saturday, confident that the pressure rests squarely on his opponent's shoulders.

Sadykhov enters the bout reeling from his first UFC loss—a second-round knockout to Fares Ziam in 2025—that ended a five-fight unbeaten streak in which he earned three Fight of the Night bonuses. Fighting at home in front of more than 10,000 fans, Sadykhov will face a motivated challenger despite competing away from the United States for only the second time in his UFC career.

Camilo, 25, believes Sadykhov's lack of composure when opponents blend striking with wrestling presents an exploitable weakness. "I think any fighter coming off a loss already feels more pressure, especially when they're fighting at home," Camilo told MMA Fighting. "He's going to be under a lot of pressure." The Brazilian cited his UFC contract-winning victory over Dorobshokh Nabotov in South Korea as proof that competing overseas suits him. He secured his first octagon win in November 2025, defeating Slava Borshchev by decision despite suffering an injury.

Competing in Azerbaijan's humid climate reminds Camilo of home in Brazil and helps him shed distractions by stepping outside his comfort zone. Based in Las Vegas and eager to prove himself against elite competition, he views Sadykhov as the perfect opponent to create "new opportunities" in the promotion. Yet Camilo remains focused on the immediate task. "I have to beat this guy first," he said. The Brazilian expressed deep gratitude for his journey from training as a rideshare driver in the U.S. in 2024 to living his teenage dream of fighting and traveling the world through MMA. "That's really how I'm feeling right now. Just grateful," he said.