Rafael Fiziev News
Justin Gaethje admits he's more likely to shoot for the first takedown in fight with Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286: "I'll ponder that"
Cole Shelton - March 16, 2023
Justin Gaethje came from a wrestling background, yet he has yet to shoot for a takedown in the UFC. However, that may change at UFC 286. Gaethje has fought 10 times in the UFC – and will make the walk for the 11th time on Saturday – and has yet to shoot for a takedown. Although he is known for his brawling style, that does come as a surprise given he has the wrestling pedigree, but Gaethje says he hasn’t had to use it ever.
UFC 286 | Pro fighters make their picks for Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Cole Shelton - March 16, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 286, a banger of a lightweight bout takes place as Justin Gaethje takes on Rafael Fiziev. Heading into the fight, Gaethje is a +190 underdog while Fiziev is a -225 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros slightly lean towards the underdog in Gaethje getting his hand raised. But, all the fighters are expecting it to be a very entertaining scrap for however long it lasts.
Justin Gaethje eyes Dustin Poirier rematch or a title shot with a win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
Justin Gaethje is looking at Dustin Poirier or a title shot next time out. Gaethje is set to return to Octagon at UFC 286 against Rafael Fiziev in a very intriguing fight. It’s the first time ‘The Highlight’ is fighting since he suffered a submission loss to Charles Oliveira last time out for the belt.
Justin Gaethje believes UFC 286 scrap against Rafael Fiziev is "bound to be" the Fight of the Year
Cole Shelton - March 14, 2023
Justin Gaethje is expecting another barn burner of a fight at UFC 286. Gaethje is set to return to the Octagon for the first time in nearly a year in the co-main event of UFC 286 against Rafael Fiziev. On paper, it looks to be a fun fight as both men are strikers and like to stand and trade. With that being considered, Gaethje expects it to be a potential the ‘Fight of the Year’ affair.
Justin Gaethje reveals prediction for return against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286: "Put that motherf*cker to sleep"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje is planning to score a knockout in his return. ‘The Highlight’ has been out of action since his clash with Charles Oliveira last May. Prior to the bout, ‘Do Bronx’ missed weight, and was stripped of his lightweight gold. As a result, only Gaethje was able to win the title in the UFC 274 main event last year.
UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev responds to recent accusations from Phuket Top Team: "My side of the story"
Susan Cox - January 18, 2023
UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev is responding to recent accusations from Phuket Top Team. Former kickboxer Rafael Fiziev (12-1 MMA) made his UFC debut in April of 2019, losing to Magomed Mustafaev (14-3 MMA) via TKO. Since then, ‘Ataman’ has won six in a row in the Octagon, his most recent victory coming against Rafael dos Anjos (32-14 MMA) in July of last year.
Dana White confirms Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 for UFC 286 and announces lightweight co-main event
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2023
Leon Edwards will get to defend his welterweight title on home turf. After Edwards became the UFC’s new welterweight champion back in August with a fifth-round KO over Kamaru Usman, White was adamant about having ‘Rocky’ defend the strap in England. The promotion then officially made UFC 286 in London, England but speculation began that Usman was dealing with a hand injury and he wouldn’t be able to fight on March 18.
Rafael Fiziev says he'll be "shocked" if Justin Gaethje fight doesn't happen in March: "When the UFC wants it, they make it happen"
Cole Shelton - January 10, 2023
Rafael Fiziev is confident he will fight Justin Gaethje his next time out. Fiziev has called out Gaethje in the past and ‘The Highlight’ has expressed some interest in the fight as well, but to date it hasn’t come to fruition. Although it hasn’t been booked yet, Fiziev says Dana White and the UFC have told him they want to schedule the contest to take place in March.
Beneil Dariush decides against waiting for UFC title shot, calls for bouts with Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev, and Charles Oliveira: "I just want to fight"
Josh Evanoff - November 1, 2022
UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush is just ready to be active. The Iranian fighter is fresh off his clash with Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280 last month. The fight was an important one for Dariush, as he hadn’t competed since his win over Tony Ferguson last May. Despite the time away, he didn’t miss a beat.
Rafael Fiziev takes aim at Justin Gaethje with derogatory post involving Conor McGregor
Susan Cox - October 7, 2022
Rafael Fiziev has taken aim at Justin Gaethje with a derogatory post involving Conor McGregor. Justin Gaethje (23-4 MMA) is ready to re-enter the Octagon after having his nose rebuilt following his loss to Charles Oliveira (33-8 MMA) at UFC 274 in May of this year. A possible opponent was thought to be Conor McGregor (22-6).
What's next for Rafael Fiziev and Rafael dos Anjos after UFC Vegas 58?
Cole Shelton - July 11, 2022
In the main event of UFC Vegas 58, a pivotal lightweight bout headlined the card as Rafael Fiziev took on Rafael dos Anjos. Fiziev entered his first UFC main event coming off a KO win over Brad Riddell in December after scoring a decision win over Bobby Green. dos Anjos, meanwhile, beat Renato Moicano by decision in March over five rounds in a one-sided fight.
Rafael Fiziev sets his sights on Justin Gaethje following KO win over RDA at UFC Vegas 58: “If you’re ready, and you’re not scared”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2022
Rafael Fiziev wants a top-five opponent and he picked one heck of a name to call out. Fiziev shared the Octagon with Rafael dos Anjos on July 9. The action emanated from the UFC Apex. The lightweight tilt served as the main event of UFC Vegas 58 on ESPN.
Pros react to Rafael Fiziev KO's Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 58
Chris Taylor - July 9, 2022
A lightweight bout featuring former champion Rafael Dos Anjos taking on Rafael Fiziev headlined tonight’s UFC Vegas 58 event. Dos Anjos (31-14 MMA) had entered the contest sporting a two-fight winning streak, this after scoring decision victories over Paul Felder and Renato Moicano in his most recent efforts. The former UFC lightweight champion was looking to get back into title contention with a win this evening.
UFC Vegas 58 Results: Rafael Fiziev KO's Rafael Dos Anjos (Video)
Chris Taylor - July 9, 2022
A lightweight bout featuring former champion Rafael Dos Anjos taking on Rafael Fiziev headlines tonight’s UFC Vegas 58 event. Dos Anjos (31-13 MMA) will enter the contest sporting a two-fight winning streak, this after scoring decision victories over Paul Felder and Renato Moicano. The former UFC lightweight champion is looking to get back into title contention with a win this evening.
UFC Vegas 58: 'Dos Anjos vs. Fiziev' Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - July 9, 2022
The Octagon remains in Nevada for tonight’s UFC Vegas 58 event, an eleven-bout fight card headlined by Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev. Dos Anjos (31-13 MMA) will enter the contest sporting a two-fight winning streak, this after scoring decision victories over Paul Felder and Renato Moicano. The former UFC lightweight champion is looking to get back into title contention with a win this evening.
Pro fighters make their picks for Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev
Cole Shelton - July 7, 2022
In the main event of UFC Vegas 58, top-10 lightweights collide as Rafael dos Anjos takes on Rafael Fiziev. Heading into the fight, dos Anjos is a +186 underdog while Fiziev is a -245 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The pros are leaning towards Fiziev getting the job done as many think his striking will be too much.
Rafael Fiziev out of UFC 272 co-main event against Rafael dos Anjos, replacement opponent sought-after
Cole Shelton - February 28, 2022
Rafael Fiziev has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 272 co-main event fight against Rafael dos Anjos. On Monday, dos Anjos appeared on The MMA Hour and hinted he heard Fiziev may be out of the fight. He did not know the exact reason but shortly thereafter, Fiziev’s manager texted Ariel Helwani who confirmed the 11th-ranked lightweight was out of the bout due to testing positive for COVID-19. Rafael Fiziev later confirmed the news on social media.
Official main card lineup announced for next month’s UFC 272 event
Harry Kettle - February 15, 2022
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially announced the main card for next month’s blockbuster UFC 272 event, headlined by Colby Covington vs Jorge Masvidal. The UFC will return to the T-Mobile Arena for a card that is bound to light Las Vegas on fire during the first week of March. From top to bottom there’s a whole lot to like about UFC 272, and that starts with the main event between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.