UFC Baku Co-Headliner Rafael Fiziev showed his violent striking possibilities by including his first knockout in the Octagon five years ago.
The UFC is in a new environment this week, while the leading promotion of mixed martial arts is preparing to debut in Azerbaijan.
An important light heavyweight fight between Khalil Rountree Jr. And Jamahal Hill Headlines UFC Baku, but the biggest attraction for the home crowd comes in the Co-Main event.
For the first time in his professional career, Fiziev will compete for his countrymen. 'Ataman' will be confronted with Ignacio Bahamondes in what will probably be the main event of the people in Baku Crystal Hall.
The locals will undoubtedly hope to see some vintage from Fiziev. And in that respect, he could certainly do worse than his performance from 12 December 2020.
Rafael Fiziev dropped Renato Moicano with a violent combination on UFC 256
After following a TKO loss in his debut with successive decision victories, Fiziev de Kooi arrived at UFC 256 with a statement in mind.
And the first finish of the Azerbaijani on the largest stage in MMA was worth waiting.
It took only one round for 'Ataman' to put the current top 10 UFC lightweight Renato Moicano away. Fiziev dropped Micano with a brutal combination, connected with a left hand to the body and the right hook at the top before a left hook sent the Brazilian to the canvas.
'Ataman' quickly jumped on his affected enemy to convince referee Chris Tognoni to step in, to the great dismay of Micano, who believed that the interruption was early.
Rafael Fiziev seems to put an end to the Winless period in his first home battle
Fiziev won another three fights in succession to put his name in title on 155 pounds, including knockouts against Brad Riddell and Rafael Dos Anjos.
But 'Ataman' has not won since then, after he had lost three for the past three years. The losing Skid may not reflect the general versions of Fiziev, after he played his role in two memorable wars against Justin Gaethje.
Between those setbacks there was a freak injury to Mateusz Gamrot, who saw Fiziev tearing his ACL in round two and therefore spent a year and a half on the sidelines.
Result Opponthodlossjustin Gaethjedecisionlossmaatusz Gamrottko (injury) Lossjustin GaethjedecisionwinRafael dos Anjoskowinbrad Riddellkowinking GreenDescisionwinrenato Micanoko Micanokoo Micanokoo Micanokoo Micanokoo Micanokoo
With that in mind, Fiziev desperately needs a bounce back on fighting evening in Baku. And he will certainly have the crowd by his side when the cage door closes behind him and Bahamonde's.