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 Fiziev's opponent but cannot reveal the name publicly. However, Akbaba indicated the opponent is one of three fighters: Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Reports yesterday suggested that Manuel Torres signed a bout agreement, leading to speculation that Fiziev vs. Torres will be the matchup in Baku. It remains unclear whether this bout will serve as the main or co-main event.
Rafael Fiziev has confirmed he will compete at UFC Baku on June 27, revealing the news during an interview with Turkish journalist Janer Akbaba. While Akbaba stated he knows the identity of Fiziev's opponent, he declined to name the fighter publicly, though he indicated the matchup will involve one of three lightweights: Dan Hooker, Manuel Torres, or Brian Ortega. Reports from the day prior suggested Torres signed a bout agreement, pointing toward a Fiziev versus Torres pairing as the likely booking. Whether the fight will serve as the main event or co-main event has not been confirmed.
Fiziev, 33, carries a 14-5 record and is currently ranked seventh in the lightweight division. 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.
Manuel Torres, nicknamed "El Loco," brings a 17-4 record and represents one of the more dangerous striking profiles in the lightweight division. The 31-year-old Mexican southpaw — also fighting switch — lands an eye-catching 7.29 significant strikes per minute at 59 percent accuracy, and also averages 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes for Entram Gym.
Dan Hooker, ranked fifth at lightweight, is a 36-year-old New Zealander out of City Kickboxing with a 24-14 record. "The Hangman" stands six feet tall with a 75-inch reach and averages 4.82 significant strikes per minute across his career.
Why it matters
- Fiziev is ranked seventh at lightweight, making this a meaningful fight with top-ten positioning on the line regardless of opponent
- A matchup with Torres would pit two high-output switch-stance strikers against each other, with Torres holding a significant edge in striking volume
- UFC Baku represents a notable international card, and the identity of the main event slot adds further intrigue to the booking
