Rafael Fiziev expressed openness to a BMF title fight against Charles Oliveira following his knockout victory at UFC Baku, though he was quick to downplay his own standing, saying he is "very far from the belt" and does not like to talk about "fairy tales." Fiziev noted that a fight with Oliveira in Rio in October had been discussed previously. He acknowledged not feeling deserving of such a high-profile matchup against a legend like Oliveira, but left the door open if the UFC decides to make it happen.
Rafael Fiziev has opened the door to a potential BMF title clash with Charles Oliveira following his knockout win at UFC Baku, though the Kazakhstani striker was careful to temper expectations, describing himself as "very far from the belt" and reluctant to discuss what he called "fairy tales."
Fiziev, 33, carries a 14-5 record and is currently ranked seventh in the lightweight division. Training out of Tiger Muay Thai, the switch-stance finisher is one of the more dangerous strikers in the 155-pound class, averaging an impressive 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. His grappling output is minimal, with fewer than one takedown per 15 minutes and no recorded submission attempts, making him a fighter who lives and dies by his striking.
On the other side of a potential matchup sits Charles "Do Bronxs" Oliveira, the Brazilian legend ranked third at lightweight and 11th in the pound-for-pound standings. At 36, Oliveira holds a 37-11 record and represents a dramatically different stylistic profile. He lands 3.35 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy while also threatening with 2.22 takedowns and 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete and dangerous fighters in MMA history. He trains out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima.
Fiziev acknowledged that a meeting between the two had previously been discussed for a card in Rio in October, though nothing is confirmed. He stopped short of pushing hard for the fight, instead deferring to UFC matchmakers while expressing genuine respect for Oliveira's legacy.
Why it matters
- A BMF title fight would give both lightweights a high-profile platform without necessarily requiring a championship bout
- Fiziev's ranking of seventh versus Oliveira's third creates an intriguing divisional stakes scenario at 155 pounds
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Fiziev's pure striking against Oliveira's well-rounded submission and grappling game
- This remains an unconfirmed report, and no official announcement has been made by the UFC
