Rafael Fiziev confirmed in an interview with journalist Janer Akbaba that his next fight will take place at UFC Baku on June 27. Turkish journalist Akbaba stated he knows the opponent but cannot reveal the name yet, though he indicated it will be one of three fighters: Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Yesterday, reports surfaced that Manuel Torres signed a bout agreement, suggesting Fiziev vs. Torres is the likely matchup in Baku. The question remains whether this fight will serve as the main event or co-main event of the card.
Rafael Fiziev has confirmed he will fight at UFC Baku on June 27, though his opponent has yet to be officially announced, according to a report that has not been fully verified.
Fiziev revealed the booking in an interview with Turkish journalist Janer Akbaba, who stated he knows the identity of the opponent but is not yet able to disclose the name. Akbaba indicated the fight will involve one of three lightweights: Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Reports emerged the following day that Torres has signed a bout agreement, pointing toward Fiziev versus Torres as the most likely matchup. Whether the fight headlines the card or serves as the co-main event remains unclear.
Fiziev, 33, is ranked seventh in the lightweight division and carries a 14-5 record. The Kazakhstan-born Tiger Muay Thai product lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and fights out of a switch stance at five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach.
Torres, nicknamed El Loco, is a 31-year-old Mexican fighter with a 17-4 record. He is one of the most prolific strikers in the division, averaging 7.29 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 59 percent accuracy. Torres also averages 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes and fights at five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach.
Hooker, the third name mentioned, is a 36-year-old New Zealander from City Kickboxing ranked fifth at lightweight. He holds a 24-14 record and lands 4.82 significant strikes per minute, bringing veteran experience and a six-foot frame with a 75-inch reach to any potential matchup.
Why it matters
- Fiziev at ranked seventh and Torres unranked makes this a significant gatekeeper bout for lightweight contention
- A Torres win at 59 percent striking accuracy against a technical switch-stance opponent would build a compelling divisional case
- The Baku card's main event status is still unresolved, leaving the card's overall shape uncertain
