Rafael Fiziev secured a second-round knockout of Torres at UFC Baku with a spinning heel kick, earning a performance bonus. Fiziev revealed he had been dealing with double vision after a jab affected his eye at the end of round one, yet decided to launch the spinning technique in round two regardless. In his post-fight remarks, an emotional Fiziev called out the BMF title as his next target.
Rafael Fiziev delivered a stunning second-round knockout of Torres at UFC Baku, finishing the fight with a spinning heel kick to earn a performance bonus and immediately set his sights on the BMF title.
The 33-year-old Kazakh standout, fighting out of Tiger Muay Thai, improved his record to 14-5 with the stoppage. Ranked seventh in the lightweight division, Fiziev is one of the more dangerous strikers in the 155-pound bracket, landing 4.71 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate. Standing five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach, the switch-stance fighter known as "Ataman" has built his reputation on explosive, unorthodox technique — a reputation the spinning heel kick finish only reinforced.
What made the finish all the more remarkable was the adversity Fiziev overcame to get there. A jab at the end of round one had left him dealing with double vision heading into the second frame. Rather than play it conservatively, he chose to unleash the spinning heel kick regardless, and it proved decisive.
In emotional post-fight remarks, Fiziev called out the BMF title as his next target.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's seventh divisional ranking positions him as a legitimate contender, and a BMF title callout raises his profile in a stacked lightweight division.
- The spinning heel kick finish, pulled off while managing double vision, underscores his status as one of the most technically adventurous fighters in the weight class.
- A performance bonus reward signals the promotion's appreciation for the finish and could fast-track his next booking.
