Rafael Fiziev celebrated a stunning spinning heel kick knockout, his second such finish in the UFC following previous wins over Ottman Azaitar and a prior opponent, and earned another post-fight bonus in the process. Fighting through vision problems caused by a jab late in the first round, Fiziev improvised the fight-ending technique in round two against a dangerous opponent with 16 first-round finishes. After the win, an emotional Fiziev called for a shot at the BMF title.
Rafael Fiziev delivered one of the most spectacular finishes of 2026, knocking out his opponent with a spinning heel kick in round two to earn a post-fight bonus and immediately call for a shot at the BMF title.
Fiziev, known as "Ataman," entered the fight ranked seventh in the lightweight division and delivered a performance that underscored why the 33-year-old Kazakhstani is one of the most dangerous strikers in the 155-pound weight class. Fighting out of Tiger Muay Thai in a switch stance, the five-foot-eight Fiziev carries a 71-inch reach and lands an impressive 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. The finish was his second spinning heel kick knockout in the UFC, adding another highlight-reel moment to a career record that now stands at 14-5.
The victory was far from straightforward. A jab late in the first round left Fiziev dealing with vision problems, forcing him to adapt on the fly. Rather than retreat, he improvised and found the finishing technique in the second round against an opponent who brought 16 first-round finishes into the contest. After the stoppage, an emotional Fiziev made clear he wants the BMF belt next.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's win at seventh in the lightweight rankings puts him firmly in contention for a title shot of some kind heading into the second half of 2026
- A BMF title pursuit would set up a potential clash with one of the division's most notable names, raising the stakes beyond a standard contender bout
- His ability to finish a fight while compromised showcases a fight IQ that complements his elite striking volume
