Tag: Rafael Fiziev

Rafael Fiziev vs. Rafael Dos Anjos Set To Main Event On Feb 19

rafael fizievRafael Fiziev is set to face former UFC lightweight champion Rafael do Anjos at the February 19th Fight Night card as the main event per MMA Fighting. According to sources close to the UFC, a matchup has been agreed between Fiziev and dos Anjos for a five-round fight although contracts have not been signed. The […]

rafael fiziev

Rafael Fiziev is set to face former UFC lightweight champion Rafael do Anjos at the February 19th Fight Night card as the main event per MMA Fighting.

According to sources close to the UFC, a matchup has been agreed between Fiziev and dos Anjos for a five-round fight although contracts have not been signed. The bout would take place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas with the undercard yet to be announced.

This announcement follows a small social media back and forth just a few days prior, where Fiziev would call out the Brazilian.

‘We all saw that fight and I already replied to ufc that I’m available for that day’

‘Face it @RdosAnjosMMA I’m the best Rafael in @ufc’

The Background Of Rafael Fiziev and Rafael dos Anjos

Fiziev is currently considered one of the UFC’s brightest prospects following a five-fight win streak since late 2019. The Azerbaijani-Kyrgyzstan fighter bumped his stock up massively in 2021 with a win over Bobby Green in a fight of the year contender and a wheel kick KO over Brad Riddell. Fiziev also gained popularity with his post fight call outs of social media star Hasbulla and actor Vince Vaugh.

If the bout is to take place, dos Anjos would be ending a 15-month layoff following a split decision win over Paul Felder, although he was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 267. Before this, dos Anjos had gone 1-4 in his previous five at welterweight but the long-time UFC veteran is still a tough test for anyone performing well in his last bout at lightweight. Although dos Anjos is coming to the tail end of his career, he will hold mountains of experience of Fieziev, holding wins over the likes of Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis and Robbie Lawler.

What do you think? is it too soon For Rafael Fiziev to face the likes of Rafael dos Anjos?

dos Anjos vs. Fiziev Reportedly Rescheduled For July 9 Headliner

The lightweight tilt between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev is now being worked on for the July 9 Fight Night main event. ESPN was the first to break the news of the rescheduled bout. Fiziev is currently on a strong run up the lightweight division. He has attained five consecutive wins in the weight…

Continue Reading dos Anjos vs. Fiziev Reportedly Rescheduled For July 9 Headliner at MMA News.

The lightweight tilt between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev is now being worked on for the July 9 Fight Night main event.

ESPN was the first to break the news of the rescheduled bout.

Fiziev is currently on a strong run up the lightweight division. He has attained five consecutive wins in the weight class, including two victories from last year.

Fiziev earned a stoppage win last December, scoring a highlight-reel wheel kick knockout against Brad Riddell. Four months before then, he fought to a decision victory over veteran Bobby Green.

Previous victories saw him beat notable names like Marc Diakiese and Renato Moicano.

Fiziev joined the UFC roster in 2019. While he lost his UFC debut to Magomed Mustafaev, that bout continues to be his sole loss as a pro.

dos Anjos is looking to return for his second trip of 2022 after defeating Renato Moicano via unanimous decision in March. Prior to that win, dos Anjos defeated short-notice opponent Paul Felder via split decision last November. He was previously scheduled to face Islam Makhachev on that date, but an injury stopped the fight from happening.

Who do you predict will win this lightweight bout between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev?

Continue Reading dos Anjos vs. Fiziev Reportedly Rescheduled For July 9 Headliner at MMA News.

Rafael Fiziev Admits Head Kick KO Over Brad Riddell Was Bittersweet

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev earned a highlight knockout over Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44, but he felt conflicted after beating his longtime friend.

Fiziev and Riddell are former training partners at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. While the two…

Rafael Fiziev

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev earned a highlight knockout over Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44, but he felt conflicted after beating his longtime friend.

Fiziev and Riddell are former training partners at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. While the two agreed to remain friends regardless of the outcome at UFC Vegas 44, Fiziev and Riddell knew their matchup would be a bit unorthodox and uncomfortable.

Fiziev said earlier on UFC Vegas 44 media day that he didn’t anticipate a lot of difference with fighting Riddell as opposed to his past opponents such as Bobby Green. But after securing a vicious head kick knockout over Riddell, he felt mixed emotions about his performance.

“I feel uncomfortable when I started,” Fiziev admitted in the post-fight press conference. “Not too much. I understand this is a real fight. Maybe he would knock me out, but it’s still a little bit uncomfortable.”

Fiziev showed some remorse despite earning arguably the biggest win of his young UFC career.

“I don’t know if I’m sad or I’m happy because it’s not so good when your friend’s like that,” Fiziev continued. “Of course, I’m happy and sad, and happy. I don’t know.”

Rafael Fiziev Has Been On A Roll Since Joining The UFC

With the victory over Riddell, Fiziev has now won five fights in a row since joining the UFC in 2019. After a tough loss to Magomed Mustafaev in 2019, he’s earned dominant wins over the likes of Marc Diakiese, Green, and Renato Carneiro.

Fiziev’s win over Riddell will more than likely propel him further up the lightweight rankings. However, he is still dealing with the emotions of competing against his good friend on the sport’s highest stage.

Who would you like to see Rafael Fiziev fight next?

Continue Reading Rafael Fiziev Admits Head Kick KO Over Brad Riddell Was Bittersweet at MMA News.

Rafael Fiziev Admits Head Kick KO Over Brad Riddell Was Bittersweet

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev earned a highlight knockout over Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44, but he felt conflicted after beating his longtime friend.

Fiziev and Riddell are former training partners at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. While the two…

Rafael Fiziev

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev earned a highlight knockout over Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44, but he felt conflicted after beating his longtime friend.

Fiziev and Riddell are former training partners at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. While the two agreed to remain friends regardless of the outcome at UFC Vegas 44, Fiziev and Riddell knew their matchup would be a bit unorthodox and uncomfortable.

Fiziev said earlier on UFC Vegas 44 media day that he didn’t anticipate a lot of difference with fighting Riddell as opposed to his past opponents such as Bobby Green. But after securing a vicious head kick knockout over Riddell, he felt mixed emotions about his performance.

“I feel uncomfortable when I started,” Fiziev admitted in the post-fight press conference. “Not too much. I understand this is a real fight. Maybe he would knock me out, but it’s still a little bit uncomfortable.”

Fiziev showed some remorse despite earning arguably the biggest win of his young UFC career.

“I don’t know if I’m sad or I’m happy because it’s not so good when your friend’s like that,” Fiziev continued. “Of course, I’m happy and sad, and happy. I don’t know.”

Rafael Fiziev Has Been On A Roll Since Joining The UFC

With the victory over Riddell, Fiziev has now won five fights in a row since joining the UFC in 2019. After a tough loss to Magomed Mustafaev in 2019, he’s earned dominant wins over the likes of Marc Diakiese, Green, and Renato Carneiro.

Fiziev’s win over Riddell will more than likely propel him further up the lightweight rankings. However, he is still dealing with the emotions of competing against his good friend on the sport’s highest stage.

Who would you like to see Rafael Fiziev fight next?

Continue Reading Rafael Fiziev Admits Head Kick KO Over Brad Riddell Was Bittersweet at MMA News.

VIDEO | Rafael Fiziev Calls Out Vince Vaughn At UFC Vegas 44

Rafael FizievStreaking lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev stole the show at UFC Vegas 44 when he scored a highlight-reel knockout win over Brad Riddell before getting on the mic and issuing a bizarre call-out. In the co-main event of the evening, Fiziev made quick work of his opponent who he caught and finished with a spinning wheel […]

Rafael Fiziev

Streaking lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev stole the show at UFC Vegas 44 when he scored a highlight-reel knockout win over Brad Riddell before getting on the mic and issuing a bizarre call-out.

In the co-main event of the evening, Fiziev made quick work of his opponent who he caught and finished with a spinning wheel kick in the first frame.

The ecstatic 28-year-old then got on the mic to chat with Daniel Cormier about his win before calling out Hollywood legend Vince Vaughn who was sitting cageside.

“Give me three months, and I’m ready to fight again,” Fiziev said. “We have one legend here, maybe he wants to fight with me. Yeah, his name Vince Vaughn … Yeah, I love him.” (Transcribed by Sportskeeda)

The callout was a catalyst for some cheers and laughter from the crowd. Vaughn clearly took the fight offer with the jest it was intended, hitting Fiziev with the thumbs up and a round of applause as he exited the Octagon.

What’s Next For Rafael Fiziev?

A match-up between Fiziev and Vaughn doesn’t really seem viable, so the question is who will be next for the Kazakhstani-Kyrgyzstani fighter.

Fiziev is currently riding a five-fight win streak that includes victories over the likes of Marc Diakese, Bobby Green and Renato Moicano. Ahead of UFC Vegas 44, Fiziev was ranked at #14 in the lightweight division, while his opponent was sitting at #12.

On Tuesday, the UFC rankings will update and you’d imagine Fiziev will climb a few spots and maybe even crack the top 10 after such an impressive display on Saturday evening.

If the UFC decides now is the time to push Fiziev he could be matched up with the likes of Tony Ferguson or Rafael dos Anjos. Although it seems more likely that he will fight someone just inside the top 10 – Gregor Gillespie seems to be the obvious match-up.

Who do you want to see Rafael Fiziev fight next?

Rafael Fiziev Feels Conflicted After Brad Riddell Knockout

Rafael FizievUFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev felt mixed emotions after finishing his former teammate Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44. Fiziev and Riddell competed in the UFC Vegas 44 co-main event after years of training together at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. Despite their long friendship, they decided to fight each other and put on […]

Rafael Fiziev

UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev felt mixed emotions after finishing his former teammate Brad Riddell at UFC Vegas 44.

Fiziev and Riddell competed in the UFC Vegas 44 co-main event after years of training together at Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. Despite their long friendship, they decided to fight each other and put on a great fight for the fans.

Despite Fiziev saying earlier in the week that he didn’t anticipate any issues fighting his friend, he had a different perspective during his UFC Vegas 44 post-fight press conference.

“It feels amazing, what can I say,” Fiziev said. “I don’t know if I’m sad or I’m happy. It’s not so great when you beat your friend like that. It was a tough fight and it was tough to see him go down like that. He’s a great guy.”

Rafael Fiziev Could Be A Dark Horse In The Lightweight Division

Many fighters are seen as gladiators only, but the fact of the matter is that these athletes are human beings with raw emotions in competition. Friends in MMA rarely agree to fight one another, due to the extra stress and uncomfortable setting that is involved with the event.

Fiziev is no exception to this. As he continues his rise through the lightweight division, his fight with Riddell will more than likely be something he remembers for a long time, for the right reasons and wrong reasons.

Fiziev’s win over Riddell was his fifth straight in the UFC and was arguably the most impressive performance of his tenure after his performance over Bobby Green earlier this year.

Fiziev could be on the fast track to a path to the lightweight title picture if he continues to string together wins. He’ll more than likely get another big name for his next octagon appearance.

What were your thoughts on Rafael Fiziev’s performance?