LAS VEGAS — Rafael Fiziev proved he was one step ahead of Rafael dos Anjos over the course of Saturday’s four-round lightweight bout. And then in the fifth, he put the former champion away for good.
Fiziev (12-1) continued his climb up the UFC lightweight rankings with a brilliant left hook knockout 18 seconds into the final round. The win, which headlined UFC Fight Night at Apex, extended Fiziev’s winning streak to six. After the match, Fiziev, who is known for refusing to call out a future champion, called out tennis superstar Rafael Nadal.
“Now we know who the best Rafael is in the UFC,” Fiziev said. “Now we know and now I want to make a challenge: Who is the best Rafael in sports? Rafael Nadal, come here.”
Fiziev, 29, may not feel comfortable calling out other fighters, but he has no problem when it comes to facing them in the cage. His performance on Saturday was as efficient and violent as it has been throughout his career. Representing the country of Azerbaijan, Fiziev worked the body of dos Anjos with kicks and boxing combinations throughout the five rounds. Dos Anjos came out aggressive in the fifth, which went straight into the hands of Fiziev. Referee Mark Smith stopped the fight as soon as Fiziev connected with a left.
In addition to landing the stronger leg kicks, Fiziev displayed great takedown defense. Dos Anjos, who was 2-0 since returning to lightweight from welterweight, has shown in his career that he will exploit an opponent’s weakness on the ground if he has one. The Brazilian veteran tried to take Fiziev to the floor, but landed just 2 of 16 takedown attempts, according to UFC Stats.
“I was watching the final in all rounds,” Fiziev said. “Who said he’s going to take me down and subdue me? How many times is he going to take me down? Once? No problem. I’m standing up.”
Fiziev has recorded knockouts in three of his six UFC victories, including three of his last four. His victims included many respected names in the division: dos Anjos, Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano.
According to the UFC’s official rankings, dos Anjos entered Saturday ranked No. 7 in the lightweight division. Fiziev was ranked number 10.
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