UFC lightweight competition Rafael Fiziev changed the direction of his career with one staircase.
While Rafael Fiziev is preparing for his short-notice rematch with Justin Gaethje on UFC 313, let's look back on the fight that Fiziev's life has changed forever.
Fiziev and then top 15 supporting pillar Brad Riddell clashed during a UFC Fight Night event in December 2021 in Las Vegas. Fiziever aimed a four-field winning streak, including victories on Bobby Green and Renato Moicano and wanted to make a statement against one of the most dangerous contenders in the division at that time.
Fiziev, a dynamic striker, did not need long to find his rhythm against Riddell in the Octagon. He hit Riddell in the first minutes, stumbled him with legs and beautifully timed counters.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Rafael Fiziev flat and Brad Riddell flattened with a rotating wheel shovel
In round 3, an exhausted Riddell eventually succumbed to the non -stop pressure of Fiziev. While Fiziev Riddell had fought from the rear foot, he threw a rotating wheel shovel that landed Flush and stumbled Riddell.
Riddell tried to get the attention of referee Herb Dean immediately after the strike, in what could be a plea to save him from Fiziev's barrage. Dean obliged and Fiziev took care of the Ronde TKO finish to extend his winning series.
Fiziev's Finish caused a post-fight performance of the night bonus and a collision with former title holder Rafael Dos Anjos for his next outing. He spent 18 seconds in round 5 to cement himself as a top lightweight competition.
As far as Riddell is concerned, the loss against Fiziev began a three-fabric losing series that he still has to break. He announced a break from MMA after a loss for Moicano at UFC 281 and would be to Thiago Moises last year before he withdrew for unknown reasons.
As far as Fiziev, he wants to regain the magic he showed against Riddell in his Rematch with Gaethje. A win over UFC 313 could possibly yield a title shot or, in the worst worst, a no. 1 candidate fight.
Rafael Fiziev could jump the lightweight title line with an emphatic victory over UFC 313
Fiziev returns to the Octagon 1 1/2 years since a knee injury in September 2023 suffered against Mateusz Gamrot. He gets a second shot at Gaethje after losing a majority decision in their first fight on UFC 286.
Fiziev's Short-Notice Gamble comes in the middle of a time of uncertainty on top of the lightweight division. Islam Makhachev is expected to make his next lightweight title defense later this year, but who will fight is anything but certain.
The addition of Ilia Topuria to the division adds a new dimension to the title discussion. But the manager of MakHacheven believes that Topuria should win at least one lightweight fight before he makes the business for a title shot.
This opens the door for Fiziev to possibly skip the line and make a plea for himself to get the next chance of Makhachev. But Gaethje stands in the way of him and the UFC 313-Co-Main event is expected to be fireworks.
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