Rafael Fiziev confirmed in an interview with Janer Akbaba that his next bout will take place at UFC Baku on June 27. Turkish journalist Akbaba stated he knows the opponent's name but cannot reveal it yet, though he indicated it will be one of three fighters: Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Recent reports confirm Manuel Torres has signed a contract for a fight, strongly suggesting Fiziev versus Torres in Baku. It remains unclear whether this bout will serve as the main event or co-main event of the card.
Rafael Fiziev has confirmed he will compete at UFC Baku on June 27, with recent reports strongly pointing to Manuel Torres as his likely opponent, though the matchup has not been officially announced.
Fiziev, known as "Ataman," revealed the booking in an interview with Turkish journalist Janer Akbaba. Akbaba stated he knows the opponent's identity but cannot yet disclose it, noting the fight will be one of three possible matchups involving Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Separate reports that Torres has signed a contract for a bout have since narrowed the field considerably. It is also not yet confirmed whether the fight will serve as the main event or co-main event of the Baku card.
The 33-year-old Kazakhstani trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and carries a 14-5 record, currently ranked seventh in the lightweight division. Fighting out of a switch stance at 173 cm with a 180 cm reach, Fiziev lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy.
Torres, nicknamed "El Loco," is a 31-year-old Mexican fighter from Entram Gym who holds a 17-4 record. He is one of the more aggressive strikers in the lightweight division, averaging an eye-catching 7.29 significant strikes per minute at 59 percent accuracy. Standing 178 cm tall with a 185 cm reach, Torres also adds a takedown threat, averaging 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Fiziev sits seventh in the lightweight rankings, making a strong performance in front of a home-region crowd in Baku significant for his divisional standing
- Torres's elite striking output and high accuracy make this a dangerous stylistic test for any opponent
- Both fighters work out of a switch stance, setting up a technically complex striking exchange if the bout is confirmed
- The main event or co-main designation remains unresolved, meaning the card's full shape is still taking form
