UFC Baku winner Rafael Fiziev targets BMF title fight given ‘little story’ with Charles Oliveira

Rafael Fiziev believes there’s a chance he could make up for the lost Charles Oliveira fight with the BMF title on the line.

Fiziev was back in action this past Saturday in the UFC Baku headliner. The Azerbaijani fan favorite traded leather with Manuel Torres inside the National Gymnastics Arena. Fiziev put Torres away just 15 seconds into the second stanza via knockout. It was a much-needed victory for “Ataman,” who entered the fight having gone 1-4 in his last five outings.

During the UFC Baku post-fight press conference, Fiziev was asked if he’d like a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship, which is held by Justin Gaethje. Having suffered two losses to “The Highlight,” Fiziev gave an honest response, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be eyeing some hardware.

“Oh no, bro,” Fiziev said. “I’m far away from the champion, bro. No, for sure, no. I don’t like talking about miracle stuff. So, I’m far away from him, but I think I have not bad name for BMF, maybe.”

Oliveira captured the BMF Championship after turning in a dominant five-round grappling display against Max Holloway at UFC 326 back in March. Fiziev and Oliveira were expected to clash back in Oct. 2025. A knee injury forced “Ataman” out of the planned matchup. Fiziev would like to settle some unfinished business.

“Maybe BMF because we have a little story with Charles,” Fiziev said. “Yeah, maybe.”

Oliveira is currently targeting a title vs. title showdown with Gaethje, but many believe Arman Tsarukyan is the rightful No. 1 contender. Even so, “do Bronxs” has a submission win over Gaethje, so he might be able to get the rematch he desires. There’s also the possibility that he could get another one of his wishes and face Conor McGregor depending on how things play out in “Mystic Mac’s” return to the Octagon on July 11.

McGregor has said his next fight after UFC 329 won’t take place until April 2027, and it’s hard to imagine Oliveira waiting that long to fight again. Whether or not any of this could leave the door open for Fiziev to get a BMF title opportunity remains to be seen.

Are you interested in a bout between Charles Oliveira and Rafael Fiziev, or does “do Bronxs” have bigger fish to fry? Let us know in the comments below.