Rafael Fiziev Calls For BMF Title Shot After Spectacular Knockout at UFC Baku

UFC Baku plays out successfully as Rafael Fiziev returns to the win column with a knockout win over Manuel Torres in the main event.

Rafael Fiziev Calls For BMF Title Shot After Spectacular Knockout at UFC Baku

Rafael Fiziev knocks out Manuel Torres (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

Rafael Fiziev remains one of the UFC’s most exciting lightweight contenders despite enduring several disappointing setbacks in recent years. Injuries repeatedly derailed the Azerbaijani star, including a torn ACL against Mateusz Gamrot that sidelined him for months. Fiziev finally redeemed himself at UFC Baku, scoring a stunning second-round knockout over Manuel Torres to get back into the win column.

Fiziev opened the fight with crisp striking and timely wrestling against Torres, immediately setting a high pace. He landed two takedowns, controlled key exchanges, and mixed his attacks effectively to keep the Mexican contender from building sustained momentum. Torres responded with a sharp jab and several clean punches, making the opening round competitive despite ‘Ataman’ holding the advantage.

Fiziev needed only 15 seconds of the second round to land a devastating spinning wheel kick before finishing Torres with follow-up strikes. During the post-fight in-ring interview, UFC legend Michael Bisping asked who he wanted next after the statement victory. The Azerbaijani star wasted no time calling for UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira, making his intentions for the division perfectly clear.

BMF belt. BMF belt. I want to be the BMF.

Rafael Fiziev via UFC Baku post fight interview

The victory was especially meaningful after Fiziev suffered a devastating second-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325 in his last outing. Ruffy overwhelmed the Azerbaijani striker with his trademark explosive offense, handing Fiziev his second knockout loss inside the Octagon.

Fiziev already owns a victory over Ignacio Bahamondes, earning a unanimous decision win in June 2025 to reestablish himself as a contender. He was then scheduled to face Oliveira at UFC Rio in October 2025. However, Fiziev withdrew shortly before the event after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury.

The recurring knee injury has repeatedly disrupted Fiziev’s UFC career and stalled his momentum. He first suffered a serious setback against Gamrot in September 2023 after injuring his knee early in the second round. The injury forced a stoppage and led to surgery, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation.

Fiziev also dropped two competitive fights against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 286 and UFC 313. Gaethje earned a majority decision in their first meeting before taking a unanimous decision in the rematch. Despite both losses, ‘Ataman’ remained competitive against one of the most experienced fighters.

Oliveira is currently pursuing a rematch with Gaethje following the latter’s recent undisputed title win. However, if that fight does not materialize, a matchup with Fiziev remains an intriguing alternative. Their previously canceled bout and Rafael Fiziev’s UFC Baku victory strengthen his case for a BMF title shot.

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Rafael Fiziev weighs in on potentially facing rising Dagestani phenom in the future

Rafael Fiziev competed extensively in Muay Thai across Thailand and Asia before entering MMA, building his reputation in elite striking circuits. He captured multiple tournament titles, including gold at the 2015 IFMA World Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

He also won the 2014 IFMA Asian Championships, defeating top regional fighters in the 63.5kg division. Competing regularly in Thailand, he sharpened his skillset against experienced Muay Thai fighters in traditional scoring environments.

Rafael Fiziev reveals true nature of injury
Rafael Fiziev reveals true nature of injury (via UFC)

Magomed Zaynukov has been closely linked to the Dagestani MMA system, regularly training in environments associated with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. His involvement in those camps placed him alongside elite grappling-focused athletes known for their dominance in the UFC.

On Dana White’s Contender Series, ‘Chanco’ delivered a composed performance against Lucas Caldas, controlling exchanges and showing sharp striking en route to a decisive win. Fiziev recently reflected on their early days together in Muay Thai and acknowledged a potential future matchup between them.

The Muay Thai fighter right? I know him from my Muay Thai days. H is a very good fighter. i even remeber his amateur fights. We fought at the same World Championships in Sweden. He’s really good he became the champion back then. He won the Contender Series right? Of course he is Islam’s fried teammate and brother, whatever, he helps him in camps. Of course Islam promotes him so he could fight the likes of me. If they ever offer me to fight him, I am sure it would be a spectacular fight.

Rafael Fiziev via Red Corner MMA

Zaynukov’s profile majorly rose further after his involvement in a reported UFC 322 cageside brawl linked to Dillon Danis and members of Islam Makhachev’s team. The incident drew significant attention to Zaynukov’s growing presence within the MMA community and the broader UFC scene.

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