Oliveira To Face Fiziev – Is It The Right Move?

Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev will be the main event at UFC Fight Night 261 on October 11 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but is this the right fight for Charles?

Oliveira has plenty to prove following his last fight, where Ilia Topuria knocked him out at UFC 317. The fight only took place on June 28, as Oliveira must put the defeat behind him, where he failed to secure the vacant lightweight belt. Oliveira only has one victory in three, which came at UFC 309 against Michael Chandler. Fiziev, on the other hand, ended a three-fight losing streak with a win over Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Baku on June 21. His last defeat came against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March via a unanimous decision. 

Current Card

Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev

Thomas Petersen vs. Vitor Petrino

Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Julia Polastri

Stewart Nicoll vs. Lucas Rocha

Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto

Irina Alekseeva vs. Bia Mesquita

The Match-Up

Fighting Fiziev is a difficult match-up for Oliveira, especially given the context of his recent career. Fiziev is one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division. Fiziev is known for his explosive power, fast combinations, and “Matrix-like” head-kick evasions. Oliveira’s defense has been a consistent vulnerability throughout his career, leaving him susceptible to getting dropped or hurt badly. This was evident in his recent loss to Topuria.

While Charles Oliveira is a dangerous striker, his most reliable path to victory lies in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins and most finishes, a testament to his elite grappling. However, Fiziev boasts a formidable takedown defense, with a significant percentage of his opponents’ takedown attempts failing. Fiziev’s ability to keep the fight on the feet is a major problem for Oliveira, as it forces him to engage where he is at a clear disadvantage.

While fighting in his home country of Brazil might seem like an advantage for Oliveira, it can also create immense pressure. The expectation to perform for a home crowd, especially after a brutal knockout loss, can be a heavy burden. A fighter like Fiziev, who trains and lives in Thailand, is accustomed to fighting in hostile environments.