Rafael Fiziev is considering a big change in his career after once again falling at the hands of Justin Gaethje.
After agreeing to step in on late notice to save the UFC 313 co-main event this past Saturday, Fiziev was narrowly defeated by Gaethje for a second time.
Justin Gaethje once again showcased to the fanbase why he is widely considered the most exciting fighter ever to step foot in the Octagon, potentially putting himself into lightweight title contention.
Rafael Fiziev on the other hand was unfortunately handed his third loss in a row and has been left considering what his next move will be.
Chael Sonnen questions Rafael Fiziev’s featherweight admission
A few days removed from his fight against ‘The Highlight’, Fiziev revealed that he is considering a move to featherweight.
Not only that, but Fiziev also teased that he already has his next fight booked after the Azeri met with UFC matchmaker, Hunter Campbell, with the meeting having seemingly gone well.
However, the 32-year-old’s potential move down to 145lbs has been questioned by UFC legend, Chael Sonnen, who has given his opinion on Fiziev’s next steps.
“Fiziev’s down man, he’s down in the dumps, he’s feeling the post fight blues and he’s talking about changing weight classes and I don’t love it,” Sonnen began to explain in a video on his YouTube.
“He is very, very skilled… I would’ve liked if Fiziev would’ve built a bridge to (calling out a lightweight),” Chael continued.
The UFC legend went on to claim that Fiziev would’ve been better off to ask the promotion if he could be the back up for the upcoming UFC 314 fight between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler.
“Fiziev is talking about going down to 145lbs, first off, that’s not a great idea, the years of your career and when the whole career is done, the only thing that’s real is the money and the miles.
“You will shorten your career by going to 145lbs, and historically speaking you can’t find me examples of when that has worked,” he continued.
Who could Rafael Fiziev fight at featherweight?
Despite Sonnen’s warning, Fiziev’s move to featherweight seems relatively imminent. With the division wide open following Ilia Topuria’s title vacation, Fiziev could find himself in title contention with just one big win.
Number seven ranked Arnold Allen, and number four ranked, Movsar Evloev are both without a fight at the moment, and despite Evloev being on the verge of a title shot, he will have to wait for the culmination of Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes.
Another potential matchup for Fiziev is a fight against Giga Chikadze, which would undoubtedly be a striker’s delight.