Rafael Fiziev: Lightweight Powerhouse
Pushing for a Title Shot
Rafael Fiziev is one of the best UFC fighters in the organization, despite losing to Justin Gaethje in his most recent fight.
UFC rankings have Fiziev well-placed for a potential title shot in 2024, and he has the wins on the board to get it done.
Now representing Azerbaijan, he has already made history by being the first Azerbaijani fighter in the UFC.
Well-Credentialed Fighter
The 30-year-old lost to Gaethje at UFC 286, who would later win the BMF belt, but his form prior was excellent.
He rattled off six consecutive wins against quality fighters, which started with a win against Alex White at UFC Fight Night in 2019.
Following that decision victory, he beat the likes of Renato Moicano, Bobby Green, Brad Riddell, and Rafael dos Anjos.
After knocking out the Brazilian in the fifth round, his win against dos Anjos won him Performance of the Night.
His loss against Gaethje was awarded Fight of the Night, and he has been awarded either Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night in his last six fights.
He has always been an excellent choice with UFC bets, and his next fight against Mateusz Gamrot promises to deliver the goods.
Waiting for His Shot
Because he lost to Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev knows he has to wait patiently for his title shot.
The latest UFC news reported that he’s happy to let Beneil Dariush fight for the belt next if he beats Charles Oliveira.
“Dariush deserves it 150 percent,” Fiziev said. “And if he wins that, I don’t want to stay on his road because he really deserves it. I can wait. If they give me a fight after Justin, if I make a good fight, if they give me the title shot, I’m happy. If they give it to another guy, I’m also happy because I’m still in a good position.”
It won’t be easy to get a title shot, and if he does, he’s liking facing Islam Machaev, who is one of the more dominant forces in MMA.
However, it would make for an exciting fight, and we’re here for it.
Rafael Fiziev Odds History
Bettors have got a variety of UFC betting lines throughout his career, including a healthy -148 in his upcoming fight against Gamrot.
He was the beaten favorite against Gaethje when favored to win at -275. That was a significant upset result against the American, but arguably, Gaethje should never be paying such a big price.
Bettors got -130 against dos Anjos, and incredibly, +110 against Riddell. In hindsight, bettors would have loved to put a mortgage on Fiziev to beat Riddell, as they are mismatched.
There was also talk of a rematch against Moicano, who was a -105 underdog in their first meeting.
Rafael Fiviez was also a +195 underdog against Marc Diakiese, but that was when he was still finding his feet in the UFC, so bookmakers didn’t know what was to be expected.
For UFC betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
