Rafael Fiziev bas matched up with Rafael Dos Anjos in one of the most interesting Fight Nights of 2022. Fiziev was younger and less experienced coming into it, in fact Dos Anjos’ career spans over more losses than Fiziev’s entire career.
Dos Anjos went into tonight’s match up with 31-13 record while his counterpart, Rafael Fiziev went into it with an MMA record consisting of 11 wins and 1 loss.
Fiziev is 8 years younger than Dos Anjos.
Before the fight, Fiziev was pleased it was rebooked.
“When this fight happened a second time, and he agreed to fight, I thought, ‘Wow, he agreed,’” Fiziev told reporters at a UFC on ESPN 39 news conference Thursday.
“I’m happy for this because I think after he fought (Renato) Moicano he’d say, ‘I don’t want to fight with him again. Why do I need it?’ But he said yes, and I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s good.’ He’s a man.”
Fiziev certainly delivered.
Got ourselves another Lightweight Contender in Rafael Fiziev pic.twitter.com/epqByPGHoq
— Jason Williams (@jasoneg33) July 10, 2022
When all was said and done Fiziev called out Rafael Nadal – and Justin Gaethje.
“Yeah, you know I want to fight with Gaethje,” Fiziev told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 39 post-fight news conference. “… Gaethje, if you want to fight, one more yellow guy with yellow hairs (Charles Oliveira), we need to know who’s best.
“That’s a good match for you and me. If you’re ready, and you’re not scared, don’t talk sh*t and let’s go.”
“I think he would maybe make my face like this, maybe more hard,” Fiziev said as he pointed to his battered face. “He’s dangerous also and a big challenge for me. I think he has a lot of chance to knock me out, and I have a lot of chance to knock him out. That’s a good fight, I think, for fans also.”