Rafael Fiziev contemplates featherweight move after UFC 313 loss
Today at 08:30 PM
Veteran UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev is considering a drop to 145 pounds following his most recent defeat.
Fiziev (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) lost a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. It was a bout he took on short notice, and one that made him realize he might be better off a weight class below.
“I’m thinking right now about changing weight divisions,” Fiziev told Ariel Helwani. “I’m starting to think about changing weight divisions because I really cut weight very easy this time and this was short notice. It was very easy. All this week my nutritionist Jason, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Right now, I have to think about it.”
Fiziev says it’s very “possible” that the change might come as soon as for his next fight. He’s yet to make the decision officially, but he felt undersized fighting Gaethje.
If he drops, the Azerbaijani believes he’ll do quite well in the featherweight division, and he’d be down to challenge the top contenders right away.
“I want to fight with top guys, some of the top guys,” Fiziev said. “All of those guys in the top 10 are interesting. These guys are in trouble if I come here. They will be in trouble. Everybody.”
