Rafael Fiziev was born on March 5,1993 and is an Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter, who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
19 Facts About Rafael Fiziev
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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 dad bought him and his cousins boxing gloves and told them to spar.
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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 like 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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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.
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Rafael Fiziev has since made Phuket, Thailand his primary residence.