After losing four of his last five fights, Rafael Fiziev has finally bounced back with a stunning knockout win at UFC Baku. The 33-year-old has now set his crosshairs on UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira. Earlier tonight, in front of his home crowd, Fiziev locked horns with the surging Manuel Torres in the main event of UFC Baku.
As the five-round lightweight contest began, both fighters were eager to stand and bang from the opening bell. Fiziev showed no signs of slowing down. He landed an explosive takedown early and began dictating the pace.
In the second frame, Fiziev connected with a spinning wheel kick that stunned his Mexican opponent and sent “El Loco” crashing to the canvas. “Ataman” then followed up with nonstop punches to secure a spectacular knockout victory on home soil.
Check out the finish below:
During the post-fight octagon interview, Fiziev called out BMF titleholder and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He said:
Aye, BMF belt. BMF belt. Who doesn’t want to be a BMF? Me, I want the BMF belt.”
Check out Rafael Fiziev’s comments below: (3:44)
Charles Oliveira and the 33-year-old Azerbaijani were going to fight last year in the main event of UFC Rio. However, “Ataman” suffered an injury and had to pull out, after which Mateusz Gamrot stepped in as a replacement and was submitted in Round 2 by the Brazilian star.
What is next for Charles Oliveira?
BMF kingpin Charles Oliveira does not have a bout scheduled. However, “Do Bronx” recently showed interest in running it back with the newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian is riding a two-fight win streak and is the No. 3 UFC 155-pound contender. Hence, a matchup with the lower-ranked Rafael Fiziev is highly unlikely.
Gaethje is expected to enter the octagon next year to defend his title. Therefore, in the meantime, Oliveira can run it back with top contender Arman Tsarukyan if the Armenian is not willing to wait until next year for a lightweight title shot.
It will also be interesting to see what Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard have next for the explosive and ever-entertaining Rafael Fiziev.
