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Loses in return from long layoff
Fiziev lost to Justin Gaethje via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 313 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was an admirable performance from Fiziev, stepping in for Dan Hooker on short notice for his first fight since September 2023. He started quickly, winning Round 1 on all three scorecards, before Gaethje found his range and began to take control. Fiziev shockingly landed two takedowns early on, but he was clearly too tired to attempt that in the latter stages of the fight. It sure appeared as is Rafael was trying to pace himself knowing he wouldn't have a full gas tank, but it still ended up not being enough. Fiziev is clearly one of the top lightweights in the world, but he's now lost three straight (two to Gaethje) and is without a win dating back to July 2022. It's going to be nearly impossible for him to truly get back in the title conversation given his age and the depth of the division. On the bright side, he'll take home a $50,000 bonus after this matchup was once again awarded Fight of the Night honors.
It was an admirable performance from Fiziev, stepping in for Dan Hooker on short notice for his first fight since September 2023. He started quickly, winning Round 1 on all three scorecards, before Gaethje found his range and began to take control. Fiziev shockingly landed two takedowns early on, but he was clearly too tired to attempt that in the latter stages of the fight. It sure appeared as is Rafael was trying to pace himself knowing he wouldn't have a full gas tank, but it still ended up not being enough. Fiziev is clearly one of the top lightweights in the world, but he's now lost three straight (two to Gaethje) and is without a win dating back to July 2022. It's going to be nearly impossible for him to truly get back in the title conversation given his age and the depth of the division. On the bright side, he'll take home a $50,000 bonus after this matchup was once again awarded Fight of the Night honors.
Late replacement at UFC 313
Fiziev will step in on short notice to take on Justin Gaethje in a lightweight matchup in the co-main event of UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas, per UFC President Dana White.
ANALYSIS
Fiziev steps in here on short notice following a late withdrawal of Dan Hooker due to injury. It's an incredible opportunity for Fiziev, who was once thought to be a title contender but saw his career stagnate the last few years. That's largely due to his first fight with Gaethje, which he lost via majority decision in a matchup that saw Fight of the Night honors. He got off to a fast start in that one, but Gaethje eventually settled in and won the significant striking battle 103 to 97, ultimately securing the bout. Fiziev then went on to face a dangerous fighter in Mateusz Gamrot in September of 2023, but was knocked out in the second round and has been sidelined since due to a torn ACL. A win here could turn the clock all the way back to early-2023 and set Fiziev up on a title trajectory once again.
Fiziev steps in here on short notice following a late withdrawal of Dan Hooker due to injury. It's an incredible opportunity for Fiziev, who was once thought to be a title contender but saw his career stagnate the last few years. That's largely due to his first fight with Gaethje, which he lost via majority decision in a matchup that saw Fight of the Night honors. He got off to a fast start in that one, but Gaethje eventually settled in and won the significant striking battle 103 to 97, ultimately securing the bout. Fiziev then went on to face a dangerous fighter in Mateusz Gamrot in September of 2023, but was knocked out in the second round and has been sidelined since due to a torn ACL. A win here could turn the clock all the way back to early-2023 and set Fiziev up on a title trajectory once again.
Cleared for UFC return
Fiziev (knee) is cleared for his UFC return, according to MMA Fighting .
ANALYSIS
After nearly one year on the shelf due to a torn ACL, Fiziev is ready to fight in the UFC again. In his Tuesday interview with MMA Fighting, the Kyrgyzstani lightweight listed several contenders he is interested in fighting. In particular, the No. 9 Fiziev mentioned No. 5 Dan Hooker and No. 7 Beneil Dariush, who would be new opponents. Fiziev also mentioned possibly avenging his loss to No. 8 Mateusz Gamrot or even fighting No. 15 Paddy Pimblett to earn himself a higher-ranked contender down the line.
After nearly one year on the shelf due to a torn ACL, Fiziev is ready to fight in the UFC again. In his Tuesday interview with MMA Fighting, the Kyrgyzstani lightweight listed several contenders he is interested in fighting. In particular, the No. 9 Fiziev mentioned No. 5 Dan Hooker and No. 7 Beneil Dariush, who would be new opponents. Fiziev also mentioned possibly avenging his loss to No. 8 Mateusz Gamrot or even fighting No. 15 Paddy Pimblett to earn himself a higher-ranked contender down the line.
Sustains torn ACL
Fiziev announced Monday via his personal Instagram account that he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during his second-round loss to Mateusz Gamrot on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Fiziev suffered the injury while throwing a body kick with his right leg that was blocked by Gamrot. He didn't provide a return timeline, but he likely won't be able to fight for around eight months.
Fiziev suffered the injury while throwing a body kick with his right leg that was blocked by Gamrot. He didn't provide a return timeline, but he likely won't be able to fight for around eight months.
Leg injury leads to defeat
Fiziev lost to Mateusz Gamrot via TKO (injury) at 2:03 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
An unfortunate ending to what was shaping up to be a terrific fight. On the heels of a close, competitive opening round, Fiziev injured his leg after throwing a kick. He immediately winced in pain and dropped to the ground, at which point Gamrot jumped on top and referee Herb Dean quickly stepped in. It's the second straight defeat for Fiziev on the heels of his majority decision defeat to Justin Gaethje this past March, although that's of secondary concern until we get some clarification on the injury suffered.
An unfortunate ending to what was shaping up to be a terrific fight. On the heels of a close, competitive opening round, Fiziev injured his leg after throwing a kick. He immediately winced in pain and dropped to the ground, at which point Gamrot jumped on top and referee Herb Dean quickly stepped in. It's the second straight defeat for Fiziev on the heels of his majority decision defeat to Justin Gaethje this past March, although that's of secondary concern until we get some clarification on the injury suffered.