Rafael Fiziev rejects label of Kyrgyz MMA product, credits only himself

Rafael Fiziev has firmly rejected being called a product of the Kyrgyz martial arts school, stating that he is self-made and does not associate himself with the country's fighting tradition given the treatment he has received there. While acknowledging the rise of fighters such as Razhababali and Orolbai, Fiziev attributed their success to personal qualities rather than any national system. He also praised Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Khabib, and Jon Jones as fighters gifted with something special from a young age.