Rafael Fiziev dismantled Rafael dos Anjos before knocking him out at the main event of UFC Vegas 58
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Rafael Fiziev def Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 58
The main event of UFC Vegas 58 was headlined by the ‘battle of Rafaels.’ Former UFC champion, Rafael dos Anjos (31-13 MMA, 20-11 UFC) took on the rising prospect, Rafael Fiziev (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) and fans were eagerly waiting for this matchup. Dos Anjos was looking to get back in the title contention with this one.
Being one of the best kickboxers on the roster, Fiziev wanted to put his name amongst the top-ranked contenders of the division, and he fought accordingly.
Round 1 – Gameplan was clear for both of them Fiziev was looking to keep the fight standing, and RDA was looking to take him to the ground and get a submission. Fiziev started the action with a solid body kick, and RDA answered with one of his own. RDA shot for a takedown but Fiziev did a good job of defending, another takedown attempt from RDA got stuffed, and Fiziev finished the round strong on his feet.
Round 2 – RDA went in for another single, but Fiziev stuffed it and got his back pressed up against the cage. RDA held on to the clinch and did some damage there, Fiziev’s hook was finding its home every time he threw it, and RDA stayed right there in the pocket to exchange punches with his opponent. RDA caught a kick and landed a takedown but Fiziev got right back up and did some good work for the rest of the round.
Rafael Fiziev neutralized Rafael dos Anjos’ wrestling and pieced him up on the feet
Round 3 – Fiziev was clearly separating himself from his opponent in terms of striking, and every time anything significant landed, RDA was forced to engage the clinch, he wasn’t doing much in the clinch situation so the referee broke the fight quite a few times. Takedown after takedown got stuffed, and RDA was forced to trade blows with Fiziev on the feet.
Round 4 – RDA started this round with a little more urgency but another failed takedown attempt broke his momentum, he landed an elbow while breaking from the clinch, and another flying knee landed flush on his opponent, he immediately chased Fiziev, and landed some nice punches before finally landing a big takedown towards the end of the round, he couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, but it was good to see him finally get a takedown.
Round 5 – Both these athletes came out guns blazing, and Fiziev was a little more aggressive, he threw a kick followed by a hard hook that dropped his opponent to the ground, he followed up with a couple of punches, and the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight.
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Suryansh Thakur
(1600 Articles Published)