Rafael Fiziev rejects label of Kyrgyz martial arts product, praises Radzhabali as a phenomenon

Rafael Fiziev has pushed back against being called a product of the Kyrgyz martial arts school, saying he considers himself self-made and noting the ill-treatment he has received from the country. Fiziev also distanced Valentina Shevchenko from that label, crediting her development to coach Pavel Fedotov and years of international travel. He praised Rajabali as a unique global phenomenon and highlighted Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Khabib, and Jon Jones as fighters given a rare, special quality from birth.