Overview
- On Saturday, June 27, Rafael Fiziev defeated Manuel Torres by knockout with a spinning wheel/back kick and follow-up punches 15 seconds into the second round at UFC Fight Night in Baku.
- After the win Fiziev publicly demanded a shot at Charles Oliveira's BMF title, noting the two were previously booked to fight before Fiziev withdrew with a knee injury.
- Fiziev said his vision was blurred at the start of the second round and credited Justin Gaethje's recent title win for restoring his confidence ahead of the finish.
- He also blasted the UFC's new Meta AI rankings as “elephant shit,” a criticism that adds friction as the promotion prepares to update standings and schedule his next bout.
- UFC matchmakers are expected to weigh conservative options—rematches or ranked lightweights such as Mateusz Gamrot, Dan Hooker or Renato Moicano—because Oliveira is pursuing other fights and Fiziev's recent inconsistency complicates an immediate title shot.