Rafael Fiziev knocked out his opponent with a spinning heel kick in the second round at UFC Baku, earning another post-fight bonus. Fiziev, who has now landed two spinning heel kick knockouts in the UFC — against Riddell and Torres — fought through vision problems caused by a late jab in the first round before landing the decisive blow. After the win, Fiziev declared his next goal is the BMF title.
Rafael Fiziev delivered another highlight-reel finish at UFC Baku on June 27, stopping Manel Torres in the second round with a spinning heel kick to earn a post-fight bonus and set his sights on the BMF title.
Fiziev, known as "Ataman," is ranked seventh in the UFC lightweight division and carries a professional record of 14-5. The 33-year-old Kazakhstani trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and is one of the most dangerous strikers in the 155-pound class, averaging 4.71 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate. Fighting out of a switch stance, he possesses a 71-inch reach and has now recorded two spinning heel kick knockouts inside the octagon — the other coming against Joel Riddell. The finish against Torres was made more remarkable by the fact that Fiziev dealt with vision impairment after absorbing a late jab in the opening round before recovering to land the decisive blow.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's second spinning heel kick KO in the UFC cements his reputation as one of the division's most creative and dangerous finishers
- A post-fight bonus adds momentum heading into what he hopes will be a BMF title opportunity
- Ranked seventh at lightweight, a shot at the BMF belt would represent a significant step up in profile and divisional relevance
- His striking-first style — he averages fewer than one takedown per 15 minutes and has no recorded submission attempts — makes any future matchup a likely stand-and-bang affair
