Following his recent loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, Rafael Fiziev is contemplating saying farewell to the lightweight division and moving to featherweight.
Fiziev suffered his third loss in the lightweight division at UFC 313, which has caused the fighter to have second thoughts about staying in the division. The 32-year-old took an 18-month break from the cage after suffering a torn ACL during his fight with Mateusz Gamrot, but he returned to the cage with much confidence to face Justin Gaethje in a rematch.
Although Fiziev gave it his all in the fight, he suffered another defeat to Gaethje. “Ataman” sees this defeat as a learning experience and plans to drop to 145 pounds. The fight revealed that his coach and nutritionist have been a big help in maintaining his weight at lightweight, but the fighter feels it might be time to try another division.
In a sit-down with Ariel Helwani, Fiziev expressed his thoughts on his loss to Gaethje and his potential move to featherweight. Although the plan isn’t set in stone yet, Fiziev says this may be the next step in his career.
“I’m starting to think right now about changing weight divisions,” Rafael Fiziev stated to Ariel Helwani earlier today, discussing his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313. “I really cut weight very easily this time, and this time was short notice. Very easy, bro. All this week, my nutritionist, Jason, had to help me gain weight because my weight dropped so fast.”
“Yeah, right now I have to think about it. Yes, it’s possible. I think [it’s a strong possibility my next fight will be at featherweight]. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. Like I said, I’m not big for this division. My body loses weight so easily… These guys [at featherweight] will have trouble if I come in there. They’ll be in trouble, man. Everybody.”
Prior to facing Gaethje, “Ataman” had won six straight fights, including victories over Renato Moicano, King Green, and Rafael dos Anjos.
