Rafael Fiziev has acknowledged interest in a potential BMF title bout with Charles Oliveira following his spectacular knockout win at UFC Baku. Fiziev noted that a fight between the two had previously been scheduled for October in Rio, and he remains open to the matchup. However, he was quick to play down expectations for a UFC lightweight title shot, describing himself as "very far" from championship contention despite his recent performance.
Rafael Fiziev has opened the door to a potential BMF title clash with Charles Oliveira, expressing openness to the matchup in the wake of his spectacular knockout victory at UFC Baku. Fiziev noted that the two had previously been booked to meet in October in Rio de Janeiro before those plans fell through, and he indicated he remains interested in revisiting the fight. He was careful to temper expectations of a lightweight title shot, describing himself as "very far" from championship contention at this stage.
Fiziev, nicknamed "Ataman," carries a 14-5 record and is currently ranked seventh in the lightweight division. The 33-year-old Kazakhstani southpaw-switch striker trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and has built his reputation on high-volume, high-damage output, landing 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy — among the more prolific outputs in the division.
Oliveira, known as "Do Bronxs," sits at number three in the lightweight rankings and 11th on the pound-for-pound list with a 37-11 record. The 36-year-old Brazilian out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima is one of the most dangerous finishers in MMA history, combining a striking rate of 3.35 significant strikes per minute with 2.22 takedowns and 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a complete threat across all phases.
Why it matters
- A BMF title bout would give both fighters a high-profile opportunity without requiring a spot at the top of the title queue
- Fiziev's ranking at seventh and Oliveira's at third means a win for either could reshape the upper tier of a crowded lightweight division
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Fiziev's elite striking volume against Oliveira's well-rounded finishing ability across striking and grappling
- The report is unconfirmed, and no official booking has been announced
