A potential move to featherweight may just be in the not-so distant future for Rafael Fiziev.
Short-Notice Fight for Rafael Fiziev Brings Defeat in Las Vegas
Having sat out for the entirety of 2024, Rafael Fiziev willingly raised his hand to battle former foe Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last weekend. Coming off of two back-to-back defeats to Gaethje and Mateusz Gamrot, the Azerbaijani stepped up on two weeks’ notice to fill in for an injured Dan Hooker in the co-main event against “The Highlight.”
Looking as game as he did in their first contest, both men engaged in an electrifying slugfest that saw each of them have their moments. The biggest moment of the fight came when Gaethje managed to drop the European with a masterfully-timed uppercut in the early rounds.
“Ataman” would recover quickly, though, and continue his assault on the American. In the end, it was Gaethje who got his hand raised, but Rafael Fiziev still walked away with a little extra cash after he and his opponent were awarded the Fight of the Night bonus.
Lengthy Skid Prompts Possible Departure From 155 for Rafael Fiziev
In the aftermath of his time in Vegas, Rafael Fiziev now finds himself in the midst of a three-fight losing streak, the longest of his entire combat sports career when inspecting both his stints in Muay Thai and MMA. In order to get back into the win column, he is now contemplating a likely descent in divisions, with featherweight appearing to be his next destination.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Fiziev cites his desire to drop down is based on how his UFC 314 weight cut was apparently a breeze this time around, though nothing is set in stone.
Rafael Fiziev Opens Up About Move on Ariel Helwani Show
“I’m thinking right now about changing weight divisions,” Rafael Fiziev said. “I’m starting to think about changing weight divisions because I really cut weight very easy this time and this was short notice. It was very easy. All this week my nutritionist, Jason, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Right now, I have to think about it.”
Fighting at that low of a weight wouldn’t be necessarily new ground for Fiziev, as he used to compete as low as 138-lb during his Muay Thai days in 2010. He also is intrigued by the possible entertaining matchups that might be on the table if he does decide to head to featherweight, especially against those in the top-10.
“I want to fight with top guys, some of the top guys,” Rafael Fiziev continued. “All of those guys in the top 10 are interesting. These guys are in trouble if I come here. They will be in trouble. Everybody.”
Interesting Opponents Await Rafael Fiziev at Featherweight Should He Move Down
It remains to be seen if Rafael Fiziev will take the chance at competing at 145, but there are plenty of eye-catching matchups on the table if he goes ahead and changes classes. With a handful of talented strikers such as Youssef Zalal, Lerone Murphy, Arnold Allen and Yair Rodriguez dominating the category, he will have no shortage of worthwhile adversaries for his theoretical divisional debut.
