UFC Baku fighter once flattened top 10 lightweight in one round with devastating three-punch combination

UFC Baku co-headliner Rafael Fiziev showed his violent striking capabilities by recording his first knockout inside the Octagon five years ago.

The UFC is in new surroundings this week, as mixed martial arts’ leading promotion prepares to debut in Azerbaijan.

A key light heavyweight bout between Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill headlines UFC Baku, but the biggest attraction for the home crowd comes in the co-main event.

For the first time in his professional career, Fiziev is set to compete in front of his compatriots. ‘Ataman’ will face Ignacio Bahamondes in what will likely be the people’s main event at Baku Crystal Hall. 

The locals will no doubt be hoping to see some vintage striking from Fiziev. And in that regard, he could certainly do worse than replicating his performance from December 12, 2020.

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Rafael Fiziev dropped Renato Moicano with violent combination at UFC 256

After following a TKO loss in his debut with consecutive decision victories, Fiziev entered the cage at UFC 256 with a statement in mind.

And the Azerbaijani’s first finish on MMA’s biggest stage was worth the wait.

It took just one round for ‘Ataman’ to put current top 10 UFC lightweight Renato Moicano away. Fiziev dropped Moicano with a brutal combination, connecting with a left hand to the body and right hook up top before a left hook sent the Brazilian to the canvas.

‘Ataman’ quickly jumped on his stricken foe to convince referee Chris Tognoni to step in, much to the dismay of Moicano, who believed the stoppage to be premature.

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Rafael Fiziev looks to end winless period in his first home country fight

Fiziev won a further three fights consecutively to put his name into title contention at 155 pounds, including knockouts against Brad Riddell and Rafael dos Anjos.

But ‘Ataman’ hasn’t won since, having lost three straight over the past three years. The losing skid is perhaps not reflective of Fiziev’s overall performances, having played his part in two memorable wars against Justin Gaethje.

Between those setbacks was a freak injury against Mateusz Gamrot, which saw Fiziev tear his ACL in round two and spend a year-and-a-half on the sidelines as a result.

With that in mind, Fiziev is in desperate need of a bounce-back on fight night in Baku. And he’ll certainly have the crowd on his side when the cage door shuts behind him and Bahamondes.