A fan poll has been launched asking for predictions on the Rafael Fiziev versus Manuel Torres bout that will headline UFC Baku on June 27. Fiziev holds a 7-5 UFC record while Torres is 5-1 in the promotion. The post invites fans to vote for their prediction using emoji reactions. While the post is primarily a poll, it confirms the main event status of this lightweight matchup.
A fan poll circulating ahead of UFC Baku has confirmed the main event pairing of Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres, with the June 27 lightweight headliner drawing early engagement as supporters weigh in with their predictions.
Fiziev, nicknamed "Ataman," enters the bout ranked seventh in the UFC lightweight division. The 33-year-old Kazakhstani trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and carries a 14-5 overall record, including a 7-5 mark inside the UFC. Standing five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach, he fights out of a switch stance and lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy.
Torres, known as "El Loco," brings a 17-4 overall record and a 5-1 promotional mark into the contest. The 31-year-old Mexican, who trains at Entram Gym, is listed at five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach and also fights switch. His offensive output is notable, with 7.29 significant strikes landed per minute at an impressive 59 percent accuracy. He also adds 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes to his game, giving him a more varied threat profile.
Why it matters
- Fiziev is ranked seventh at lightweight, meaning a strong performance could push either man toward title contention
- Torres's striking volume — more than two and a half significant strikes per minute more than Fiziev — sets up an intriguing pace battle between two switch-stance fighters
- Torres has shown grappling intent with 1.72 takedowns per 15 minutes, a dimension Fiziev has rarely had to contend with given his own near-zero submission attempt rate
- The main event slot at UFC Baku gives the bout significant promotional weight and raises the stakes for both men's divisional standing
