Manuel Torres suffered a tough setback in the biggest fight of his UFC career, but his team insists the Mexican lightweight remains upbeat and ready to bounce back.
Torres faced former title challenger Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Baku on Saturday night. Entering the fight with momentum and hopes of breaking into the lightweight elite, “El Loco” instead found himself on the wrong end of a spectacular second-round knockout after Fiziev landed a spinning wheel kick.
The defeat snapped Torres’ winning streak and handed him his first loss since 2024.Following the fight, Torres’ manager, César Lince, released a statement on Instagram, praising his fighter’s courage and assuring fans that Manuel Torres is already focused on moving forward.
“There are defeats that also build character,” Lince wrote. “Thank you to everyone who followed along, sent a message, and made us feel your support from Mexico.”
Lince also commended Torres for accepting a difficult challenge on hostile ground and representing his country on one of the biggest stages of his career.
“I want to give special thanks to ‘El Loco’ for accepting this challenge and coming to represent our country on enemy territory. I know the sacrifice he made to get here, and I know because I was by his side every step of the way that he gave it his all.”
The manager emphasized that the setback was a collective experience for everyone involved in Torres’ camp and that the team remains united despite the disappointment.
“Thanks also to every single person on this team. This is never about just one person; victories and defeats are experienced together. We’re leaving with our heads held high, with much to learn, and hungrier than ever.”
Lince also addressed concerns about Torres’ condition after the knockout loss.
“And for everyone who’s asking: ‘El Loco’ is fine, he’s healthy, in good spirits… and he’ll be back very soon.”
The loss marked a significant hurdle for Manuel Torres, who had rebuilt momentum with impressive first-round stoppage victories over Drew Dober and Grant Dawson after suffering a knockout defeat to Ignacio Bahamondes in 2024.
Against Fiziev, however, Torres struggled to establish his rhythm. The Azerbaijani star mixed his striking with timely takedown threats in the opening round before unleashing his trademark wheel kick early in the second frame. The strike dropped Torres and opened the door for a finishing barrage that forced the referee to stop the contest.
While the result derailed Torres’ push toward lightweight contention, history suggests he should not be counted out. The 31-year-old has consistently responded well to adversity throughout his career and has never suffered consecutive losses as a professional mixed martial artist.
For now, Manuel Torres leaves Baku disappointed but healthy, with his team confident that the experience will ultimately make him a better fighter as he prepares for the next chapter of his UFC journey.
