Fiziev Rejects Label as Product of Kyrgyz MMA, Calls Himself Self-Made

Rafael Fiziev has pushed back against being called a product of the Kyrgyz martial arts school, insisting he is self-made and citing negative experiences with the country. Ahead of UFC Baku, Fiziev discussed the rise of Kyrgyz fighters, singling out Razhababli as a unique phenomenon with 100 percent finishes and comparing his rare talent to fighters like Islam Makhachev, Khabib, and Jon Jones. He also praised Justin Gaethje's unorthodox striking, noting that Topuria had mocked it before suffering its consequences.