Updated

Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 23

Rafael Fiziev Says Justin Gaethje's Round-4 Title Upset Fueled Him Before UFC Fight Night 280

Updated

Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 23

Rafael Fiziev Says Justin Gaethje's Round-4 Title Upset Fueled Him Before UFC Fight Night 280

Q: After breaking a tough losing streak, can Rafael Fiziev's ambitious callout land him a 'BMF' title fight?

Yes — Fiziev’s callout is plausible, but it is far from guaranteed. His case improved dramatically with the knockout of Manuel Torres in Baku. The win snapped a damaging 1-4 stretch and reminded the UFC why Fiziev remains one of the division’s most watchable strikers. The finish — a spinning wheel kick followed by punches — gave him exactly the kind of highlight the promotion values for a “BMF” fight, which is built more on action, toughness and fan appeal than strict rankings. The matchup also has a workable storyline. Fiziev called out Charles Oliveira, the current BMF champion, and the two already have history after a previously scheduled 2025 fight fell through when Fiziev withdrew injured. That gives the UFC a ready-made narrative, and stylistically it is an easy sell: both men are aggressive, proven finishers and rarely in dull fights. The main obstacle is Fiziev’s recent résumé. One big win does not erase the losses to Justin Gaethje, Mateusz Gamrot and Mauricio Ruffy, and he is still well outside the undisputed lightweight title picture. If Oliveira is offered a higher-priority fight — especially anything tied to the lightweight championship — Fiziev likely gets passed over. So the callout can land if Oliveira is not moved into a title-related bout and the UFC wants a fan-friendly BMF defense. Fiziev gave himself a real chance with the Torres knockout, but he still needs the division’s matchmaking to break his way.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 23

Rafael Fiziev said Justin Gaethje's fourth-round stoppage of Ilia Topuria this month "motivated me" ahead of Fiziev's main event Saturday at UFC Fight Night 280 in Baku.
Gaethje entered the White House lightweight title unification bout as a heavy underdog, and Fiziev said watching the first two rounds changed his expectation that Topuria would inflict serious damage.
Fiziev said the upset also strengthened his belief in his own level and power after taking Gaethje the distance twice in Fight of the Night losses.
Saturday's matchup puts Fiziev, 13-5 in MMA and fighting at home in Azerbaijan, against Manuel Torres, 17-3, a striker Fiziev described as dangerous early but manageable if fully prepared.