Who is Rafael Fiziev? - THE LIFE STORY OF THE AZERBAIJANI ATAMAN

Rafael Fiziev, who is worthy of representing Azerbaijan in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), will face his next challenge on March 9. On the eve of his fight against US representative Justin Gaethje at UFC313, Offsideplus.az wants to introduce our compatriot to our readers.

Unsuccessful attempt in Thailand

Rafael Salman oglu Fiziev was born on March 5, 1993 in Kazakhstan. His father is Azerbaijani by nationality, and his mother is Russian. At a young age, he moved to Kyrgyzstan with his family. At the initiative of his father, he began to practice Muay Thai during his school years. In subsequent years, Rafael also tried himself in combat sambo, boxing, jujitsu, and wrestling.

After reaching adulthood, he moved to Thailand to improve his skills. However, due to financial difficulties, he soon had to return to Kyrgyzstan. At this time, the young athlete chose a new profession for himself. Rafael, who entered the school of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, wants to become a police officer like his father. But this love does not last long. Soon, having left the law enforcement system, he turns all his attention to professional sports.

Unusual skill

Fiziev began performing in mixed martial arts in 2015. The event that brought Rafael the most fame occurred in 2017. Thus, while dodging a blow in a fight with his opponent Sorgo Petyindi at a tournament held in Thailand, he bent back at an angle of 90 degrees. With this action, Rafael reminded him of the hero of the famous science fiction film “The Matrix”. Despite losing the fight, the video reflecting the young athlete’s unusual skill quickly went viral on social media. Even UFC president Dana White posted a video of Rafael, who was not yet very well known at that time, on his page.

“Azerbaijani blood flows in my veins”

In the early years of his career, Fiziyev, who tested his strength in W.I.N FC, Boroda FC, Primal FC, Road FC and Titan FC tournaments, made his decision in 2019: only UFC competitions! This is how Rafael has been performing in this championship so far. Although he will represent Kyrgyzstan in 2021, he will say goodbye to the country where he spent his childhood and adolescence due to unpleasant events that occurred later. He has been waving the Azerbaijani flag in the octagon since then.

“Azerbaijani blood flows in my veins. I feel proud to be performing under the Azerbaijani flag in the UFC,” Rafael Fiziyev said.

“Ataman’s misfortune”

Currently living in Thailand and working as a coach, Fiziyev has tested his strength in the professional mixed martial arts ring 15 times in the lightweight category. He won 12 of them and suffered 3 defeats. The athlete, who wears our national cap when entering the octagon, is nicknamed “Ataman”. He has been awarded the “Performance of the Night” award 3 times in the UFC and the “Fight of the Night” award 3 times.

Unfortunately, the last 2 fights of our compatriot in the UFC were unsuccessful. Although he made a good impression in the fight against the US representative Justin Gagge in March 2023, he was defeated by the judges’ decision. Returning to the octagon six months later, Rafael faced misfortune this time. Our athlete, who suffered a serious knee injury in the 2nd round of the fight with the Polish Mateusz Gamrot, was unable to continue the fight.

Revenge is not for the faint of heart!

And that’s it! The 17-month break is over! Fiziev, who is ranked 11th in the UFC lightweight rankings, returns to the octagon! The Azerbaijani fighter has a great chance to take revenge on Justin Gagge. This principled meeting will take place on March 9 as part of the main card of the UFC313 tournament at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA. The fight will start at 7 am Baku time.

We can only wish Rafael Fiziev, who is trying to honorably raise the name of Azerbaijan, good luck! As they say, we will clench our fists for you on March 9!

Rafael Fiziyev

05.03.1993

Height: 173 cm

Weight: 70 kg

MMA fights: 12 wins, 3 losses

18.07.2015 Sam Bestin (Australia) – 1:0 (knockout)

10.10.2016 Gunduz Nabiyev (Azerbaijan) – 2:0 (choke)

24.03.2017 Suraj Bahadur (India) – 3:0 (knockout)

10.06.2017 Son Yon Kim (South Korea) – 4:0 (knockout)

23.12.2017 Nardin Erdene Munguntsuj (Mongolia) – 5:0 (knockout)

21.12.2018 Nurzhan Tutkayev (Kazakhstan) – 6:0 (knockout)

04/20/2019 Magomed Mustafayev (Russia) – 6:1 (knockout)