Kyrgyzstan’s Rafael Fiziev, an undefeated lightweight known for his high-octane offense, is the latest addition to the UFC’s roster.
Fiziev’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, announced the news via an Instagram post. The video (see below) shows Fiziev’s reaction to the famous UFC call.
Fiziev, 25, has a proclivity for finishing fights. All six of his professional bouts have been stoppage victories, with each more impressive than the last.
Fiziev was supposed to compete on this past season of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in September, but he was forced to withdraw.
Training out of Tiger Muay Thai, Fiziev’s striking is his bread and butter. He has finished all but one of his fights via knockout, including a dazzling array of highlight-reel caliber kicks, knees, and punches.
Those finishes have led to Fiziev’s status as a viral sensation. One video, which captured Fiziev’s incredible dodge of a high kick, has over two million views alone.
Abdrakhmanov confirmed to The Body Lock that Fiziev does not have an opponent lined up yet.
The Body Lock can also confirm that a UFC debut in Russia, potentially the April 20 event in St. Petersburg, has been discussed by both parties.