Rafael Fiziev is hoping to fight Justin Gaethje next time out.
Fiziev was coming off his first UFC main event as he headlined UFC Vegas 58 against Rafael Dos Anjos in a pivotal fight for the lightweight division. It was also a tough test for Fiziev but he passed with flying colors as he scored a fifth-round KO over Dos Anjos.
The win is the biggest of Fiziev’s career and after the victory, he said he wants Gaethje next as he believes it would be a fun fight for the fans.
Rafael Fiziev Eyes Title Path
“Yeah, you know I want to fight with Gaethje,” Fiziev said after UFC Vegas 58. “… Gaethje, if you want to fight, one more yellow guy with yellow hairs (Charles Oliveira), we need to know who’s best. That’s a good match for you and me. If you’re ready, and you’re not scared, don’t talk sh*t and let’s go.”
Fiziev believes it is a tough fight that he needs before he gets the chance to fight for the belt. He also knows it would be a very fun striking battle which is what the fans would like to see which is why Fiziev believes it makes sense.
“I think he would maybe make my face like this, maybe more hard,” Fiziev said as he pointed to his battered face. “He’s dangerous also and a big challenge for me. I think he has a lot of chance to knock me out, and I have a lot of chance to knock him out. That’s a good fight, I think, for fans also.”
What’s Next for Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gatethje?
Fiziev (12-1) is 6-1 inside the UFC and riding a six-fight win streak. Before the KO win over Dos Anjos he scored a KO win over Brad Riddell, a decision over Bobby Green, a KO victory over Renato Moicano, and decision wins over Marc Diakese and Alex White.
Gaethje (23-4) has not fought since May when he suffered a submission loss to Oliveira in a challenge for the lightweight title. Before that, he scored a decision win over Michael Chandler to get back into the win column after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the belt.
