Idman.biz
Sayat Abdrakhmanov, the manager of Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev, stated in an interview with "Match TV" that the main goal for his client is to defeat Chilean Ignacio Bahamondes at the "UFC Fight Night" tournament. Subsequently, a victory in a fight against any strong opponent in the top "ten" could return the 12th-ranked fighter to the title contention in the lightweight division.
Idman.biz reports that Fiziev will fight Bahamondes at the UFC tournament to be held in Baku on June 21.
The opponent has finished his last three fights with first-round victories. Fiziev, on the other hand, has suffered three consecutive defeats.
- Rafa's preparation went well. He is fully ready physically and mentally. The home tournament is an additional motivation for him, and he can open up even more in this regard. But it is important to be calm during the fight. He should not act with the enthusiasm of the audience. The main goal should be to defeat Bahamondes. The ideal option is an early victory, not just fighting for the sake of fighting.
- Bahamondes has won his last three fights early. What do you think is his main danger?
- He is not an easy opponent. He stands out with his physical characteristics - height and arm span. But Rafa is already in the UFC's Top 15, and it is impossible to face an easy opponent at this level. Bahamondes is, let's say, a "good partner" for the fight. It could be a good match. But Rafa has fought stronger and more experienced opponents. This time, experience is on his side.
- Will the victory bring Fiziev back to the top "ten" in the ranking?
- When we talked to the UFC, they just asked us: "What do you think about the Baku tournament? Which will be the most interesting and fun fight?" And as a result, we came to the conclusion that it will be a good and fun fight. After that, he will return to the main fighters. The UFC loves Rafa and has a positive attitude towards him. They will prepare interesting plans for him.
- But before the three defeats, he was seen as a title contender. Now he has moved away from this list. How many victories does he need to return to the title race?
- Two wins - and he will be among the main candidates again. What happens next depends on the opponent. If a top-level opponent comes out, then a victory in that fight will bring Rafa back to the title race.
- Who would be more suitable for Fiziev to fight from the current candidates, Topuria or Oliveira?
- It is too early to talk about it now. The main issue now is to successfully pass Bahamondes. After that, there may be very interesting options.
- Does he lag behind Topuria, Oliveira or other fighters in the top "five" in terms of fighting skills?
- Every fighter has his own advantage. Topuria's boxing and Oliveira's ground game can be a threat to everyone. Rafa's unusual stance technique is also a serious problem for every opponent.
It should be noted that 32-year-old Rafael Fiziev has 12 wins and 4 losses in his career. 27-year-old Ignacio Bahamondes has 17 wins and 5 losses in MMA.
Idman.biz
