Fiziev Scores Spinning Back Kick KO, Calls for BMF Belt

Rafael Fiziev delivered one of the most memorable finishes of 2026, knocking out his opponent with a spinning back kick to earn a performance bonus at a UFC event on June 27.

The 33-year-old Kazakh standout, who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai, showed tremendous resolve in getting to that finish. After absorbing a jab to the eye in the opening round that left him with blurred vision, Fiziev kept his composure and chose to unleash the spinning back kick in the second round, putting his man down for good. It was his second spinning back kick knockout in the UFC, adding to previous finishes over Riddle and Torres and further cementing his reputation as one of the most technically creative strikers in the division.

Ranked seventh in the lightweight division with a professional record of 14-5, Fiziev has built that reputation with substance to back it up. He lands 4.71 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect both his volume and his precision as a switch-stance fighter standing five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach. Following the victory, Fiziev made clear he wants more hardware, calling for a shot at the BMF belt.

Why it matters

• Fiziev's seventh-ranked lightweight status and BMF call-out could force matchmakers to act with a marquee fight
• Two spinning back kick knockouts in the UFC is a rare and striking benchmark that elevates his highlight reel profile
• His ability to finish through adversity, continuing to attack despite compromised vision, speaks to his durability and ring intelligence
• A BMF title fight would pit his elite striking against whoever holds that belt, setting up a compelling style matchup