Latest news with #RafaelFiziev
USA Today
22-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Video: Would Rafael Fiziev dropping to UFC featherweight division be a good move?
UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev has teased a potential move to featherweight. Fiziev, currently No. 11 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, gave life to a potential division change after coming up short against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313. Fiziev stepped in on relatively short notice to replace an injured Dan Hooker, but even though he didn't get a full fight camp, he's thinking of making a major career change. Over the years, we have seen fighters change divisions, producing mixed results. There's no way to accurately predict how well a fighter will do after moving up or down in weight, but would it be a smart move for Fiziev, who is still one of the top dogs at lightweight? If Fiziev does move down, which matchups are most intriguing? Could he win a title at 145 pounds? MMA Junkie's Brian 'Goze' Garcia, Danny Segura, Nolan King, and host 'Gorgeous' George discuss Fiziev's potential at featherweight. Watch their discussion in the video above, and don't miss this week's complete episode of 'Spinning Back Clique' below on YouTube.
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rafael Fiziev contemplates featherweight move after UFC 313 loss
Veteran UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev is considering a drop to 145 pounds following his most recent defeat. Fiziev (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) lost a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. It was a bout he took on short notice, and one that made him realize he might be better off a weight class below. 'I'm thinking right now about changing weight divisions,' Fiziev told Ariel Helwani. '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.' Fiziev says it's very 'possible' that the change might come as soon as for his next fight. He's yet to make the decision officially, but he felt undersized fighting Gaethje. If he drops, the Azerbaijani believes he'll do quite well in the featherweight division, and he'd be down to challenge the top contenders right away. 'I want to fight with top guys, some of the top guys,' Fiziev said. '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.'
USA Today
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
UFC 313: Rafael Fiziev admits crowd influenced him in first Justin Gaethje fight
LAS VEGAS – Rafael Fiziev opened up on the biggest takeaways from his first Justin Gaethje fight. Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) runs things back with Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 313 co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+). He hasn't competed since tearing his ACL in a TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023. Fiziev lost their first fight at UFC 286 by majority decision. 'I think I learned from the first fight I don't have to follow emotions. I don't have to follow my character,' Fiziev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a news conference Wednesday. 'Sometimes you have to forget about your character and stay cold, follow game plan.' The Tiger Muay Thai fighter admits he got lured into trying to brawl after hearing the crowd's reaction, which swayed him from his game plan. 'It's my decision. It's my decisions during the fight because, like I said, I followed my emotions,' Fiziev added. 'I heard the arena. I heard how people were screaming when we had some action. 'I heard my corners. They were saying, 'Hey, move, step back – no need to go forward much,' but inside I'm thinking, 'No guys, look: The arena is going crazy, it's a bonus and I want the arena screaming more.' That's what I was thinking in the fight.' For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC 313.
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje prediction, pick: Who has edge in UFC 313 rematch?
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC 313 co-main event rematch between Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje. Justin Gaethje UFC 313 preview Staple info: Record: 25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC Height: 5'11' Age: 36 Weight: 155 lbs. Reach: 70″ Last fight: Knockout loss to Max Holloway (April 13, 2024) Camp: ONX Labs (Denver) Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Former BMF belt holder + Former interim UFC lightweight champion + WSOF lightweight title + NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler + 20 KO victories + 1 submission win + 9 first-round finishes + KO power + Improved striking acumen ^ Shifting combos and counters + Accurate left hook + Hard leg kicks + Strong inside the clinch ^ Heavy hips and good dirty boxing + Strikes well off the break + Good wrestling and scrambling ability +/- 2-0 in career rematches Rafael Fiziev Staple info: 12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC Height: 5'8″ Age: 32 Weight: 155 lbs. Reach: 71.5″ Last fight: TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot (Sept. 25, 2023) Camp: Tiger Muay Thai (Thailand) Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Multiple muay Thai accolades + National champion in combat sambo + National champion in hand-to-hand combat + 6 KO victories + 1 submission win + 6 first-round finishes + KO power + Aggressive pace and pressure + Solid footwork + Good head movement ^ Slips and rips/counters in combination + Hard and accurate Thai kicks ^ Variates well to the body + Strong inside the clinch ^ Solid strikes and takedown defense + Serviceable submission grappling ability +/- 0-0 in career rematches Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje point of interest: Striking the second time around The co-main event in Las Vegas features an impromptu rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. With Dan Hooker having to drop out of his scheduled dance with Gaethje due to a serious hand injury, Fiziev finds himself in a rematch that he thought he'd never get. Win or lose I love watching Fiziev fight, the switch kicks, the lead leg feints to enter with big hooks, it such a fucking vibe. — Feño 🏴 (@fenoxsky) March 4, 2025 Despite having an argument for winning their first fight, Fiziev found himself on the wrong side of some contentious scorecards in what was ultimately a close and competitive fight. Although Fiziev landed consistent bodywork and counters throughout the contest, the judges ended up favoring the big moments of Gaethje and the visible damage he was able to accrue. Fiziev has stated his intentions to fight more carefully this time around, but careful isn't something you can necessarily consent to in a Gaethje fight. Initially stepping onto the scene as a relentless forward mover, Gaethje naturally embodied the phrase 'a bull in a China shop' with his unabashed aggression and hard-wiring to inflict damage. Traditionally doing his best work when initiating attacks, Gaethje will gain his opponent's respect with hard hooks and crosses, looking to punctuate his presence with crushing uppercuts and leg kicks when appropriate. Similar to a Spartan behind his shield in a phalanx, Gaethje would lean heavily upon his double-forearm guard, planting and looking to counter with immediacy. Although Gaethje no longer strictly relies on a shelling defense, the 36-year-old still seems to have an inherent hunger to exchange that can sometimes encourage his aggressiveness (which is arguably reflected in the strikes absorbed department of his statistics). However, Gaethje – under the tutelage of longtime coach Trevor Wittman – has shown improvements in his feints, footwork and fundamentals since sustaining back-to-back losses to Eddie Alvarez and Poirier. In his fight against Tony Ferguson, Gaethje took things to yet another level in the head movement and counter-striking department, putting together an intelligent process that still incorporates the former interim champion's inherent power and tenacity. Whether Gaethje is countering off of an inside parry or looking to roll under hooks to deliver left hands of his own, the hard-hitting American has steadily developed a taste to counter. Akin to other Wittman fighters like Rose Namajunas, Gaethje has also utilized more lateral and shifting footwork to facilitate sneaky kicks and counters. That said, counters will be a potent, two-way street this Saturday. Demonstrating superb countering instincts from multiple ranges, Fiziev has a knack for turning defense into offense. Whether he is slipping to the left or right, 'Ataman' is good about returning hard hooks and kicks in combination. Like many Russian and Eastern European kickboxers, Fiziev is very fluent off of his lead side, often punctuating the exchanges with either left hooks to the head or hard Thai kicks to the body. The 32-year-old will also sneak in quick inside leg kicks off of parries to further disrupt his opposition but is more than happy to sit back and hack at any limb that becomes available. Like many muay Thai stylists, Fiziev shows solid sensibilities inside of the clinch, particularly when it comes to finding knees and elbows. But given Gaethhje's acumen for offense in tight spaces, Fiziev may not want to hang out in closed-quarter for too long. Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje breakdown: Potential grappling threats Although neither fighter is known for his love for ground fighting, I wouldn't put opportunistic offense past either party this Saturday. For my money, the more likely party to do so is the former combat sambo champion in Fiziev. Although Fiziev shows little interest in pursuing ground fights for prolonged periods of time, he doesn't seem afraid to shake things up with a trip or takedown of his own. Fiziev is also good about scoring damaging strikes in transit, particularly when it comes to elbows off of the breaks. Luckily for Gaethje, he's no stranger to violence up close. Aside from being an accoladed wrestler, Gaethje also offers up a nasty game in closed quarters that Fiziev will need to respect. An unforgiving clinch fighter, the former Division I All-American wrestler has the hip triggers to stop deep takedown attempts while still maintaining the aggressive wherewithal to throw uppercuts and leg kicks in small spaces, consistently striking and making his opposition pay off the breaks (from either stance). Gaethje also does a good job at framing off his opponent's hips in close quarters, utilizing a solid head position to help steer in his desired direction. Whenever Gaethje's opposition has been able to get deep on a takedown attempt, he is quick to utilize an overhook as he looks to separate grips with his spare hand, bellying down when necessary. For this reason, I suspect that any grappling exchanges between these two will be short and sweet. Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje odds The oddsmakers and the public are somewhat surprisingly favoring the fighter who lost the first encounter, listing Fiziev -162 and Gaethje +126 via FanDuel. Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje prediction, pick Even though I thought Fiziev edged out the first fight, I'm a bit shocked to see him favored here. Aside from Fiziev having to fly across the world to fight on 10 days' notice, the native of Azerbaijan is coming off of a 17-month layoff due to knee surgery. Add in the fact that we don't know how Fiziev fairs in rematches (as opposed to Gaethje's career record of 2-0 in rematches), and it's hard not to side with the more prepared and proven fighter in this sequel. Between Fiziev's short-notice intangibles to the fact that rematches seldom play out the same way in MMA, I don't expect the judges will be needed this time around. If Fiziev had a full training camp, then I'd have no problem picking him again to win by knockout. But unless Fiziev can stop Gaethje with a liver kick or counter early, then I suspect that Gaethje will be able to land something emphatic on a fading Fiziev toward the end of Round 2. Prediction: Gaethje inside the distance Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev start time, where to watch As the co-main event, Fiziev and Gaethje are expected to make their walks to the cage at approximately 11:40 p.m. ET. The fight airs via ESPN+ pay-per-view. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC 313.
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 313: How to watch Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev title fight, Las Vegas lineup, odds, more
The UFC's third pay-per-view event of 2024 goes down Saturday in 'Sin City.' Here's how to watch UFC 313 with the light heavyweight title on the line at the top of the card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Broadcast and streaming info UFC 313 has a main card that begins at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on pay-per-view (via ESPN+). The four-fight preliminary card airs on ESPNews and streams on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET. Two early prelims stream on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET. Jon Anik will serve as the leading man on the mic from cageside at UFC 313. He will command play-by-play alongside color commentators and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan. Stay tuned for more broadcast details this week. Main event: Alex Pereira Record: 12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC Opponent: Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) Division: Light heavyweight Key wins: Khalil Rountree, Jir Prochazka (twice), Jamahal Hill, Jan Blachowicz, Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland Misc.: Pereira is stepping in for his fifth title fight in around 16 months – an extraordinarily busy pace compared to UFC champions throughout history. Main event: Magomed Ankalaev Record: 20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC Opponent: Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) Division: Light heavyweight Key wins: Aleksandar Rakic, Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, Volkan Oezdemir Misc.: Ankalaev worked his way back to a title shot after a draw with Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title in December 2022. His 2024 wins over Rakic and Walker got him back in the mix. Co-main event: Rafael Fiziev Record: 12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC Opponent: Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) Division: Lightweight Key wins: Rafael dos Anjos, Brad Riddell, King Green, Renato Moicano Misc.: After a six-fight winning streak that included five post-fight bonuses, Fiziev had his momentum stopped by Gaethje just short of two years ago by majority decision in a Fight of the Night winner. An injury led him to a second straight loss in 2023. Now he's stepping up on short notice for an injured Dan Hooker and a shot to avenge a loss. Co-main event: Justin Gaethje Record: 25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC Opponent: Rafael Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) Division: Lightweight Key wins: Dustin Poirier, Rafael Fiziev, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, Donald Cerrone, Edson Barboza Misc.: Gaethje has 13 UFC fights and 13 UFC post-fight bonuses. He didn't get bonuses in title fight losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 or Charles Oliveira in 2022, but caught back up with double bonuses at two events. UFC debut: Rizvan Kuniev Record: 13-2-1 Opponent: Curtis Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) Division: Heavyweight Misc.: Kuniev is in the rare club of fighters who needed two wins on DWCS to get to the UFC. He had a third-round TKO in 2021, but didn't get a contract. In 2022, he defended his Eagle FC title. In 2023, he won in the PFL – but tested positive for steroids. In 2024, he got a TKO DWCS win with one second left in the first round, and now finally gets to make his debut. UFC debut: Djorden Santos Record: 10-1 Opponent: Ozzy Diaz (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) Division: Middleweight Misc.: The 27-year-old from Brazil started his career with six straight stoppages in his wins, but has his past three by decision – including one on DWCS this past September that led to his UFC contract. UFC 313 main card betting odds MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET) Champ Alex Pereira -120 vs. Magomed Ankalaev +100 – for light heavyweight title Rafael Fiziev -130 vs. Justin Gaethje +110 Ignacio Bahamondes -110 vs. Jalin Turner -110 Amanda Lemos +110 vs. Iasmin Lucindo -130 King Green +380 vs. Mauricio Ruffy -500 UFC 313 prelim betting odds PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/Disney+, 8 p.m. ET) Curtis Blaydes -290 vs. Rizvan Kuniev +235 Rei Tsuruya +160 vs. Joshua Van -190 Brunno Ferreira +130 vs. Armen Petrosyan -155 Carlos Leal -700 vs. Alex Morono +500 UFC 313 early prelim betting odds PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET) Francis Marshall +300 vs. Mairon Santos -380 Ozzy Diaz -185 vs. Djorden Santos +155 UFC 313 preview videos UFC 313 full fight videos
