Rafael Fiziev eager for striking matchup against Manuel Torres at UFC Baku: ‘He has bombs on his hands’

Rafael Fiziev is excited for his UFC Baku main event fight against Manuel Torres on Saturday.

Fiziev is set to take on Torres in what should be a fan-friendly striking fight for as long as it lasts. Heading into the bout, oddsmakers have it as a pick’em, as both lightweight contenders can end the fight with one punch.

However, ahead of UFC Baku, Rafael Fiziev said he’s ready for everything and knows he has to be careful with Torres and his power, especially early on.

“Yeah, he’s a strong guy. He’s a strong guy,” Fiziev said to MMAJunkie. “He has bombs on his hands. But I’m also a strong guy. I’m growing in a gym from 11 years old. I’m in a gym from 11 years old. I fight every month, every week sometimes. I’m also doing this all my life. I really enjoy that, and I really love that. Yeah, I see he finishes in the first round.

“He likes to stay relaxed in the fight, and sometimes he’s explosive, and every time he touches the face, his opponents have a problem with that. But this MMA, sometimes we think everything is good, but everything is not good. I’m ready for everything. And everything that he prepared for me, I’m ready for that. And I believe for my power, 100 percent.”

Rafael Fiziev gaining confidence ahead of UFC Baku

If Fiziev can beat Torres in the main event of UFC Baku, it would be a statement win and would put him right back in the title picture.

Rafael Fiziev has fought Justin Gaethje twice, losing both by decision, but both fights were close. So, after seeing Gaethje become the new champ, Fiziev said that it helped his confidence.

“It’s making me believe more in my skills, yeah.” Fiziev said. “It’s making me believe for my power more, and like I said, he motivated me a lot with that.”

Fiziev enters UFC Baku coming off a TKO loss to Mauricio Ruffy and is 1-4 in his last five fights.

Do you think Rafael Fiziev will beat Manuel Torres at UFC Baku?