Rafael Fiziev called out Hasbulla, Rafa Nadal and Vince Vaughn before landing Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 313
03/01/2025 12:51 PM
Rocking the octagon is one thing but when it comes to rocking the microphone, there aren't many UFC stars who are better (or more bullish) than Rafael Fiziev.
It's certainly been a chaotic few weeks in the UFC lightweight division after a host of enormous fights were announced including Dan Hooker vs Justin Gaethje in May, and Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett in April.
Unfortunately, 'The Hangman' has since withdrawn from his UFC 313 clash with the former interim champion after suffering a broken hand in training.
Luckily, a replacement has been found in the form of popular Muay Thai specialist Rafael 'Ataman' Fiziev – whose post-fight callouts are often as wild as his fights.
Rafael Fiziev's post-fight callouts are almost as wild as his fight style
#11 ranked UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev is known for two things; his fan-friendly fight style, and his rather unique post-fight callouts of internet stars, Tennis legends, and Hollywood icons.
After defeating Bobby Green via unanimous decision in August 2021, Fiziev would call out famed social media star Hasbulla: "If you want money fight, you fight with me bro!"
Next, following his nasty wheel-kick KO win over Brad Riddell in December, 'Ataman' called out Hollywood icon Vince Vaughn, who was sitting in the front row that night at the UFC Apex.
Finally, Tennis superstar Rafa Nadal found himself in Fiziev's sights, teasing that they need to determine 'who the best Rafa is in all of sports' – combat or otherwise.
Speaking with James Lynch, Fiziev explained that the reason why he calls out non-UFC fighters is primarily to get a laugh, but also to take indirect aim at those lightweights who refuse to respond to his more traditional callouts.
"Nah, I think [Nadal] is scared also. It's just for fun man… Always when I call [out] someone to fight, these guys don't answer me… That's why I call for Hasbulla, Rafa Nadal – maybe next time I call [out] George Bush, I don't know."
Following his fifth-round KO win over Rafael Dos Anjos in 2022, Fiziev took on Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje; and we're now just a few weeks away from seeing them run it back.
Rafael Fiziev steps up on short notice to rematch Justin Gaethje at UFC 313
After Dan Hooker confirmed he was out of UFC 313 with a broken hand, speculation was ride as to who'd step up on short notice to face 'The Highlight' in Las Vegas on March 8.
Despite a string of top UFC lightweights being called on, the only fighter to actually sign on the dotted line was the popular 'Ataman' – with UFC 313 representing the second time that the two have locked horns inside the octagon.
Gaethje defeated Fiziev in a 'Fight of the Night' back in March 2023 and from what we've seen on social media, it's worth reminding fans that their first clash was much closer than many remember.
Two of the judges had the fight 1-1 going into the third round, with judge Paul Sutherland actually having Fiziev up 2-0 as the bout entered its final stanza – Gaethje won the third on all three totals to secure the majority decision win.
Former UFC champion predicts another slugfest at UFC 313
Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz was one of the first MMA insiders to react to Gaethje vs Fiziev 2 being booked for UFC 313 – and if their first fight was a barnburner, Cruz expects the rematch to be more of the same.
"It's a great opportunity for Fiziev and I tip my hat to Gaethje for giving the opportunity," the recently retired UFC legend recently told veteran reporter Helen Yee.
"A pure kickboxer, not a lot of grappling, he's gonna force on Gaethje. So, it'll be a fun fight, just like it was the first time. They both went to the hospital. I have no doubt it's going to be the same way this time."
Following that hard-fought loss at UFC 286, Fiziev would go on to lose his next bout via a leg injury to Mateusz Gamrot. His incoming rematch against Justin Gaethje will be his first fight in the UFC since that second-round TKO loss in September 2023.
Can this entertaining Azeri return to winning ways and finally add 'The Highlight' to his highlight reel? Find out at UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev, live from Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8.
