It seems like it won’t be long before fans witness Rafael Fiziev compete in the octagon again. The lightweight contender has been sidelined since his Round 2 technical knockout loss to Mateusz Gamrot back in September 2023.
Rafael Fiziev’s manager recently gave an update that’s sure to excite Fiziev’s supporters. The Azerbaijani-Kazakh fighter is back in training after undergoing rehabilitation following his knee surgery. According to his manager, Fiziev could be ready to fight as soon as late September.
“He [Rafael Fiziev] has now started training fully. He is ready to fight in the fall, roughly at the end of September and the beginning of October. We wanted to get a fight against Benoit Saint-Denis but they preferred Rennato Moicano. In any case, the opponent will be someone from the Top 15.”
Rafael Fiziev’s manager via Vestnik MMA
Fiziev’s manager also dropped an interesting tidbit about their recent plans. They had hoped to book a fight against Benoit Saint-Denis. Unfortunately, the UFC had other ideas. Saint-Denis is now slated to face Renato Moicano instead.
Regardless, Fiziev’s team will be eager to get him back in action against top-tier talent. Their willingness to face Saint-Denis, a rising star, speaks volumes. Fiziev quickly became a fan favorite after displaying his penchant for putting on action-packed fights, especially the one against Justin Gaethje. He’s always ready to throw down with the best of the best.
Interestingly, No. 13-ranked Jalin Turner has some ideas for Fiziev’s comeback clash.
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Jalin Turner looking to welcome Rafael Fiziev back to the Octagon
Fighters are always looking for their next big challenge. Jalin Turner is no exception. The lightweight contender recently expressed interest in facing off against Rafael Fiziev. Turner is known for his action-packed style, and so is Fiziev.
Turner believes a bout with Fiziev would be a crowd-pleaser. Both fighters have a penchant for explosive performances. Turner’s interest in the fight comes at an interesting time in his career. He’s looking to bounce back after a recent loss to Renato Moicano. Fiziev is also coming off back-to-back losses.
“I would like to fight Rafael Fiziev. I feel like that would be a good fight. Everybody’s been asking for that fight. Everybody thinks it would be a great fight, and I do, too. It’ll be a good striking battle.”
Jalin Turner via MMA Junkie Radio
The potential matchup with Fiziev presents an intriguing stylistic clash. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess and finishing ability. Fiziev, with his muay thai background, has become a fan favorite thanks to his tenacity and vicious fighting style. Turner, meanwhile, boasts a 100 percent finish rate. A matchup between the two would undoubtedly produce some spectacular exchanges and highlight-reel moments for the fans.
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