One of the most exciting lightweights in the UFC is fully healthy and is ready to return in December or January against a man who has not responded to his callouts.
In July, Rafael Fiziev underwent surgery to repair damage to his nose after picking up an impressive win over former champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on ESPN 39. Now, the No. 6 lightweight in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings is back to training fully and gearing up for a return to the cage. Fiziev (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) still wants to face Justin Gaethje when that time comes.
“I think I can fight December,” Fiziev told The AllStar. “But I want this guy, bro. This yellow guy. I want him because it’s a very big challenge for me and really, this is nice fight. He like fighting stand up, and I like fighting stand up. Of course, he want to take me down, but everybody know how much Gaethje love the top.”
Fiziev has called out Gaethje since knocking off the former champ RDA, but it has been a one-way street. While his calls for a fight have yet to elicit a response, “Ataman” believes it’s because Gaethje wants a big fight with Conor McGregor or someone else that’s not as tough of a fight. If the former interim lightweight champ is game, Fiziev is willing to wait for the matchup.
“We’ll see, but hopefully I fight December or January with this guy,” Fiziev said. “Maybe January. I can wait (for) him. I can wait (for) him, I can wait like next year, for sure. No problem. I like it because now, my body is – I just rest, I feel good, I eat everything, what I want already. And now, mentally, I’m already want (to get) back to schedule, want (to get) back to diet, want to stay in shape. Skinny, you know? I miss for this.”
Fiziev, who typically fights twice in a calendar year, would like to end his 2022 or start his 2023 campaign with a tough challenge. Even with a fully repaired nose and a well-rested body, don’t expect his activity levels to change.
“I understand my body now,” Fiziev said. “I don’t like (to) fight many times a year like many people do. Like Donald Cerrone, a lot of short notice. My body is not like that. I’m not all year in shape, no. For me, I need to rest a little bit, two months, eat like crazy, and after I get ready inside, you know?”
Rafael Fiziev eyeing December or January return against ‘yellow’ Justin Gaethje
