Rafael Fiziev Bio
Rafael Fiziev (born March 5, 1993) is an Azerbaijani professional mixed martial artist and Muay Thai fighter competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his explosive and technical Muay Thai striking, Fiziev has established himself as a top contender in the UFC lightweight rankings, combining power, speed, and tactical skill inside the octagon.
Early Life and Background
Rafael Fiziev was born in Korday, Kazakhstan, to an Azerbaijani father and a Russian mother. His father was an undercover police officer. During his childhood, Fiziev’s family relocated to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As a child, Fiziev was introduced to boxing by his father, who encouraged him and his cousins to spar. Initially reluctant, Fiziev began training in Muay Thai at age 11 after changing schools and experiencing bullying.
Alongside Muay Thai, Fiziev trained in several combat disciplines including combat sambo, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling. He later described grappling as the most challenging aspect when transitioning from Muay Thai to mixed martial arts. Fiziev also worked as an undercover police officer before committing fully to his fighting career. Early in his Muay Thai career in Thailand, he survived difficult conditions, relying on support from Buddhist temples.
Path to MMA
Fiziev began his professional MMA career in 2015, competing in regional promotions across Asia such as ROAD FC and the American promotion Titan FC. His striking background and Muay Thai expertise formed the foundation of his fighting style as he progressed through these early stages. In 2017, he joined Tiger Muay Thai, a renowned training camp in Phuket, Thailand, where he further honed his skills and prepared for competition at the highest levels.
His development included training with Kill Cliff FC starting in 2021, enhancing his overall MMA capabilities. Fiziev’s dedication and technical striking caught the attention of UFC scouts, leading to his signing with the organization and entry into the global MMA spotlight.
Rafael Fiziev Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Fiziev made his professional MMA debut in 2015, quickly gaining experience in regional circuits. He showcased his striking prowess and adaptability, securing victories that paved the way for his UFC debut. During this period, he fought primarily in Asia and the United States, building a record that demonstrated his potential as a rising lightweight contender.
His early career was marked by steady improvement and the accumulation of valuable fight experience, setting the stage for his transition to the UFC. Training with Phuket Top Team until 2017, Fiziev developed the skills necessary to compete at the elite level.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Rafael Fiziev debuted in the UFC on April 20, 2019, facing Magomed Mustafaev. Despite a first-round technical knockout loss, Fiziev rebounded strongly in subsequent fights. He secured a unanimous decision win over Alex White in October 2019, followed by a unanimous decision victory against Marc Diakiese in July 2020, a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.
Fiziev continued to impress with a first-round TKO win over Renato Moicano at UFC 256, earning Performance of the Night. He maintained momentum with a unanimous decision win against Bobby Green and a third-round knockout of Brad Riddell, both performances garnering additional bonuses. His striking skills culminated in a fifth-round knockout of Rafael dos Anjos in July 2022, further establishing his status as a top lightweight contender.
Fiziev faced Justin Gaethje in March 2023 in a highly competitive bout that earned Fight of the Night but ended in a majority decision loss. Later that year, he suffered a technical knockout loss due to a knee injury against Mateusz Gamrot. In 2025, Fiziev lost a rematch to Gaethje by unanimous decision but rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes. He was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira in October 2025 but withdrew due to a knee injury.
Tiger Muay Thai Era (2017–Present)
Since joining Tiger Muay Thai in 2017, Rafael Fiziev has refined his striking and overall MMA game under expert coaching. This period has been marked by significant improvements in technique, fight IQ, and conditioning. Training alongside elite fighters has contributed to his dynamic style and ability to compete with the division’s best.
Fiziev’s current form reflects his dedication to continuous growth, with notable performances and fight bonuses underscoring his impact in the lightweight division. His partnership with Tiger Muay Thai remains central to his preparation and success in the UFC.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Rafael Fiziev is recognized for his explosive and technical Muay Thai striking, utilizing crisp combinations, powerful body kicks, and rapid counters. Fighting primarily from an orthodox stance, he frequently switches stances mid-fight to create advantageous angles and deliver precise power shots. His defensive movement is exceptional, highlighted by a viral moment where he slipped a head kick with a lean-back technique reminiscent of the “Matrix” movie.
While favoring striking, Fiziev has demonstrated competent takedown defense and quick scrambles when challenged on the ground. His forward pressure, cardio, and strategic shot selection make him one of the most dynamic strikers in the UFC lightweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fiziev’s career features multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, reflecting his exciting fighting style and ability to deliver in high-stakes bouts. His knockout of Rafael dos Anjos in the fifth round stands out as a career-defining moment, showcasing his endurance and finishing ability against a former champion. His viral defensive maneuver against Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy in Muay Thai also brought him widespread recognition.
Rafael Fiziev Career Wins
Rafael Fiziev has accumulated 13 professional MMA wins out of 17 fights, with victories achieved by knockout, submission, and decision. His record highlights a well-rounded skill set and consistent performance at the highest level of competition.
UFC Highlights
Within the UFC, Fiziev has secured multiple wins including notable knockouts and decision victories. His first UFC win came against Alex White by unanimous decision, and he has since earned several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. His most recent UFC win was a unanimous decision over Ignacio Bahamondes in June 2025. Fiziev’s bouts often feature high-paced striking exchanges and tactical prowess, making him a fan favorite in the lightweight division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Fiziev competed successfully in regional promotions such as ROAD FC and Titan FC. His Muay Thai career includes participation in prestigious tournaments like the Toyota Marathon, where he reached the finals and gained attention for his defensive skills and knockout power.
Rafael Fiziev Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rafael Fiziev’s family background includes an Azerbaijani father who worked as an undercover police officer and a Russian mother. There is no public information indicating a family history in combat sports or racing.
Personal Life
Fiziev currently resides in Phuket, Thailand, where he trains and prepares for competition. He has publicly shared his passion for blacksmithing, focusing on crafting cold steel arms. In 2021, he announced he would no longer represent Kyrgyzstan in UFC bouts due to religious discrimination issues and now represents Azerbaijan internationally.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Rafael Fiziev continued to compete at a high level in the UFC lightweight division. He faced a rematch against Justin Gaethje in March, which resulted in a unanimous decision loss but earned Fight of the Night honors. Fiziev rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes in June, demonstrating resilience and skill.
He was scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night against Charles Oliveira in October but withdrew due to a knee injury. Throughout the season, Fiziev maintained strong training relationships with Tiger Muay Thai and Kill Cliff FC, focusing on recovery and preparation for future bouts. His performances in 2025 solidify his status as a top contender in the lightweight division with potential for continued success.