Tofiq Musayev, the former RIZIN Lightweight Grand Prix Champion, is all geared up to make his UFC debut. The 35-year-old will be making his first promotional appearance at UFC on ABC 8 against Myktybek Orolbai in the Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. Though many doubt his age, he appears unconcerned, claiming he has refined every instrument for this catchweight bout at 165 pounds. After all, he has 22 wins and just 5 losses on his resume.

His mission: to put on a show for his countrymen and prove that his success in RIZIN and Bellator wasn’t just a regional affair. This contest is more than just a step up in competition; it is a homecoming. While Musayev has already established an amazing legacy overseas, the UFC stage in his home country sets the tone for something bigger.

But with so much attention being focused on him, fans are starting to ask more personal questions: where does Tofiq Musayev come from, and what shaped the man who steps into the Octagon? Well, let’s find out!

What is Tofiq Musayev’s ethnicity & nationality?

Tofiq Musayev is a proud native of Azerbaijan. Born and raised in the country, he has not only represented its flag in the cage but also on the battlefield. Musayev willingly joined the Azerbaijan military in 2020, when the country and Armenia went to war over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory.

And trust us when we tell you that it was neither a publicity stunt nor a quick photo op. “I enlisted in the military and headed to the battlefield,” he stated. “War is like a movie, but it’s all happening for real.” For him, it was a question of national duty to defend his homeland while the rest of the world watched from afar.

His service occurred during one of the worst periods of the long-running conflict, when ceasefires failed and the fear of death loomed large. Friends and fighters praised his bravery. During this time, his gym owner confirmed Musayev’s enlistment on social media, and photos of him in uniform circulated widely.

That period of his life not only strengthened his love for his homeland, but it also solidified the identity that many people associate him with today: not only a fighter, but also a patriot. For those unfamiliar with the region’s history, Musayev’s journey represents more than simply sporting greatness; it’s steeped in the geopolitical struggles of a nation fighting for its place on the world stage.

His roots in the country run deep, and he has always carried a sense of national pride with him wherever he fights. With the Octagon finally arriving in Baku, it’s more than just a fight; it’s personal.

Which religion does Tofiq Musayev follow?

Tofiq Musayev has never publicly acknowledged his faith, and no interviews or statements provide clear evidence of his beliefs. However, given that he is from Azerbaijan, where around 65 to 75 percent of the population practices Shia Islam, he is likely to follow the same faith.

His name, ‘Tofiq,’ is also of Islamic origin and is often used in Muslim families, emphasizing his cultural and religious affiliation. Many fighters keep their religious identities covert, but Musayev’s sense of national identity is clearly based in Azerbaijani culture.

Given how closely religion and national pride are intertwined in the region, particularly during times of conflict, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Musayev aligns with the dominant Shia Muslim faith. However, like with his approach to fighting, Musayev allows his actions to speak louder than words.