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Leg injury leads to defeat
Fiziev lost to Mateusz Gamrot via TKO (injury) at 2:03 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
An unfortunate ending to what was shaping up to be a terrific fight. On the heels of a close, competitive opening round, Fiziev injured his leg after throwing a kick. He immediately winced in pain and dropped to the ground, at which point Gamrot jumped on top and referee Herb Dean quickly stepped in. It's the second straight defeat for Fiziev on the heels of his majority decision defeat to Justin Gaethje this past March, although that's of secondary concern until we get some clarification on the injury suffered.
An unfortunate ending to what was shaping up to be a terrific fight. On the heels of a close, competitive opening round, Fiziev injured his leg after throwing a kick. He immediately winced in pain and dropped to the ground, at which point Gamrot jumped on top and referee Herb Dean quickly stepped in. It's the second straight defeat for Fiziev on the heels of his majority decision defeat to Justin Gaethje this past March, although that's of secondary concern until we get some clarification on the injury suffered.
Gamrot fight scheduled
Fiziev will fight Mateusz Gamrot in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 80 on Sept. 23, according to Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com.
ANALYSIS
Fiziev will compete against fellow top-seven lightweight Gamrot during a fight in which both will try to establish their credibility more. The former lost to Justin Gaethje back in March, and now he is fighting in what could be considered a No. 1 contender's bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 two days from now. Meanwhile, Gamrot may have won his last fight, but it was only by split decision over No. 12 Jalin Turner.
Fiziev will compete against fellow top-seven lightweight Gamrot during a fight in which both will try to establish their credibility more. The former lost to Justin Gaethje back in March, and now he is fighting in what could be considered a No. 1 contender's bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 two days from now. Meanwhile, Gamrot may have won his last fight, but it was only by split decision over No. 12 Jalin Turner.
Bested by Justin Gaethje at UFC 286
Fiziev lost to Justin Gaethje via majority decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-28) at UFC 286 on Saturday in London.
ANALYSIS
The top of the UFC's lightweight division is extremely crowded, and this was simply a loss Fiziev could not afford as a -250 favorite. It was a close, competitive fight throughout, as most expected. The early portion of the bout appeared to be in Fiziev's favor before Gaethje rallied over the final ten minutes. Rafael appeared to be the much quicker fighter, but Gaethje has made a career of dragging guys into brawls and finding a way to emerge victorious, and this one was no exception. Fiziev entered having won six straight, all impressively, so it's not as if his stock is completely cratered with this setback, but Rafael needs to do whatever necessary to ensure he doesn't suffer a second straight defeat. In the meantime, both men will take home a $50,000 bonus after this bout was awarded Fight of the Night honors.
The top of the UFC's lightweight division is extremely crowded, and this was simply a loss Fiziev could not afford as a -250 favorite. It was a close, competitive fight throughout, as most expected. The early portion of the bout appeared to be in Fiziev's favor before Gaethje rallied over the final ten minutes. Rafael appeared to be the much quicker fighter, but Gaethje has made a career of dragging guys into brawls and finding a way to emerge victorious, and this one was no exception. Fiziev entered having won six straight, all impressively, so it's not as if his stock is completely cratered with this setback, but Rafael needs to do whatever necessary to ensure he doesn't suffer a second straight defeat. In the meantime, both men will take home a $50,000 bonus after this bout was awarded Fight of the Night honors.
Set to fight Gaethje
Fiziev is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 286 on March 18 in a lightweight bout, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Fiziev underwent nose surgery in 2022 but is ready to return to the octagon. Fiziev defeated Rafael dos Anjos via KO in his last fight in July 2022.
Fiziev underwent nose surgery in 2022 but is ready to return to the octagon. Fiziev defeated Rafael dos Anjos via KO in his last fight in July 2022.
Requires nose surgery
Fiziev is set to receive nose surgery Wednesday, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reports.
ANALYSIS
Fiziev will miss several months to nurse his injured nose, which will require surgery. The lightweight fighter is aiming for a return in November or December. Fiziev defeated Rafael dos Anjos via KO in his last fight earlier this month.
Fiziev will miss several months to nurse his injured nose, which will require surgery. The lightweight fighter is aiming for a return in November or December. Fiziev defeated Rafael dos Anjos via KO in his last fight earlier this month.