Rafael Fiziev scored a spectacular knockout of Torres with a spinning heel kick at UFC Baku, earning himself another post-fight bonus. Fighting through blurred vision after absorbing a jab late in round one, Fiziev elected to launch the spinning heel kick in round two to finish the contest. In his post-fight remarks, Fiziev called out the BMF title as his next target.
Rafael Fiziev delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the year at UFC Baku on June 27, 2026, knocking out Torres with a spinning heel kick in round two to claim yet another performance bonus.
The finish came under adversity. Fiziev absorbed a sharp jab late in the first round that left him fighting with blurred vision heading into the second. Rather than play it safe, the Kazakhstani striker chose aggression, uncorking the spinning heel kick that put Torres away and lit up the arena.
In his post-fight interview, Fiziev called out the BMF title as his next target.
Fiziev, known by the nickname "Ataman," enters the record books at 14 wins and 5 losses and currently sits ranked seventh in the lightweight division. The 33-year-old out of Kazakhstan trains with Tiger Muay Thai and fights out of a switch stance, standing five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach. His output numbers reflect an elite striker — he lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, marks that back up his reputation as one of the most dangerous hands in the 155-pound class.
Why it matters
- A finish of this quality, particularly while compromised by a jab, reinforces Fiziev as a legitimate title contender despite his seventh-place ranking in the lightweight division.
- His public callout of the BMF title signals ambition beyond a traditional title shot and could set up a marquee fight against another top lightweight.
- Fiziev's high striking volume and willingness to take risks even when hurt make him a stylistically compelling opponent for any name in the division.
