What’s Next For Rafael Fiziev?

Following his unanimous decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Baku, Rafael Fiziev wants Dan Hooker for his next fight.

Fiziev ended his three-fight losing streak, including two to Justin Gaethje. In his post-fight comments, Fiziev expressed his desire to face Hooker, citing his preference for fighting taller opponents. Fiziev also hinted at a desire to reclaim a higher ranking. Hooker currently holds a higher spot in the lightweight rankings at 6th, while Fiziev is 11th. Hooker has three straight wins but pulled out of the Gaethje fight due to a hand injury, as Fiziev took the fight before losing. Now, Fiziev wants his shot against Hooker.

“In my mind, first one after this tall guy is Dan Hooker. He’s another tall guy, and I like fighting against tall guys. He’s a man. He’s a man. How many crazy fights does he have in there? He deserves one more crazy fight. He has a place now (in the rankings). I don’t believe this place. When I lost to (Mateusz) Gamrot, I didn’t lose that place, really. It was an injury. So this place he now holds, I want to take it back if that’s OK,” Fiziev said

Options

If that fight does not happen, there is the chance to face off against Beneil Dariush. Fiziev spoke about his desire to make this fight previously. Dariush has lost his last two fights, losing to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, respectively. Dariush will face Renato Moicano at UFC 317, as a win could set up a bout. 

Equally, Mateusz Gamrot is another option. This would be a rematch of their first clash, which Fiziev lost as he suffered a knee injury. Since that fight, Gamrot has won two out of his last three fights, beating Rafael Dos Anjos and Ludovit Klein. Either way, Fiziev is looking for the biggest fights as he may consider moving up a weight class.

“I’m starting to think right now about changing weight divisions because I really cut weight very easy this time, and this was short notice. Very easy, bro. All this week, my nutritionist Jason, he tried to [help me] gain my weight because my weight [got] low so fast. And right now, I have to think maybe about it,” Fiziev said