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

Rafael Fiziev stated that he considers himself self-made and does not identify as a product of the Kyrgyz combat sports school, adding that he places Valentina Shevchenko in the same category. He credited the country's fighters with natural physical gifts and a strong sporting culture, while singling out Rajabali as a unique global phenomenon for his 100-percent finishing rate. Fiziev also praised Justin Gaethie, Islam Makhachev, Khabib, and Jon Jones as fighters endowed with rare, God-given qualities that separate them from the rest.