Rafael Fiziev was born on March 5,1993 and is an Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter.
24 Facts About Rafael Fiziev
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Rafael Fiziev currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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When he was a child, Rafael Fiziev's family moved to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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When he was a child, Rafael Fiziev's father bought him and his cousins boxing gloves and told them to spar.
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Rafael Fiziev worked as an undercover police officer but resigned after realising he would not make it to the level he wanted to.
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Rafael Fiziev entered the 2017 Toyota Marathon 154 lb tournament as well, defeating Detrit Sathian Gym by decision in the semifinal.
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Rafael Fiziev lost again by decision but went viral on social media in the process due to the impressive lean back defensive technique he displayed.
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Rafael Fiziev won the fight by knockout in the second round.
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On September 22,2017, Rafael Fiziev faced Leyton Collimore at Phoenix FC 3 in London, England.
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Rafael Fiziev fought in Asian regional promotions such as ROAD FC and the American promotion Titan FC before he signed with UFC.
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Rafael Fiziev next faced Alex White on October 26,2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 20.
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Rafael Fiziev faced Marc Diakiese, replacing Alan Patrick on July 19,2020, at UFC Fight Night 172.
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Rafael Fiziev was scheduled to face Renato Moicano on November 28,2020, at UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs Lewis.
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Rafael Fiziev faced Bobby Green on August 7,2021, at UFC 265.
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Rafael Fiziev faced Brad Riddell at UFC on ESPN 31 on December 4,2021.
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Rafael Fiziev won the fight via knockout in round three.
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One week before the event, Rafael Fiziev was again forced to withdraw due to testing positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by Renato Moicano.
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Rafael Fiziev faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje on March 18,2023, at UFC 286.
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Rafael Fiziev faced former KSW Lightweight Champion and KSW Featherweight Champion Mateusz Gamrot on September 23,2023, at UFC Fight Night 228.
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Rafael Fiziev lost the fight via technical knockout due to knee injury in round two.
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Rafael Fiziev was reportedly going to face Mateusz Gamrot in a rematch on February 1,2025 at UFC Fight Night 250.
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Rafael Fiziev was scheduled to face Ignacio Bahamondes on June 21,2025 at UFC on ABC 8.
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Outside of fighting, Rafael Fiziev enjoys blacksmithing with an emphasis on cold steel arms.
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In 2021, Rafael Fiziev revealed he would no longer be representing his home country of Kyrgyzstan during his UFC bouts due to the country's religious discrimination of Shia Muslims.