Rafael Fiziev clarifies his UFC return timeline after injury, reveals potential opponents: "Why nobody called me to fight?"
Rafael Fiziev has not entered the octagon since suffering a second-round TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Fight Night 228 last September. The bout ended with 'Ataman' suffering a torn ACL that has kept him sidelined for nearly a full year. The No. 9-ranked lightweight recently revealed the timeline for his return while questioning why he has not been called out by other fighters in his division.
Speaking to Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, Fiziev stated:
"Why nobody called me to fight? I'm f**king No. 10 or what, No. 9, now and still nobody tells like, 'hey bro, let's fight, you not fight one year'. I'm waiting for when somebody calls me to fight. Yeah, nobody. I'm sad... Why nobody? Why 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, where are these guys? There's nobody asking me to fight. If nobody's calling me to fight, I want to call somebody. Ok, Beneil [Dariush] or this Mr. Tattoo [Dan Hooker], let's go."
Fiziev added that he wants to fight Beneil Dariush because both have not competed for a long time and have to show the promotion, as well as the fans that they deserve their place in the rankings:
"Hooker, he is also talking about me a few times, how he wants to fight me. I'm ready now, Mr. Tattoo. If you want to fight, we can do a good show. I believe that if we fight, when the cage closes, me and you in the cage, we can make holy h**l in a cage if we stand together."
Check out Rafael Fiziev's comments on his UFC return below:
Fiziev added that he is open to fighting anybody. He noted in addition to Dariush and Hooker, a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot or a bout with Paddy Pimblett would interest him. It is unclear what the UFC has lined up for the No.9-ranked lightweight.
Rafael Fiziev shares update on timeline for his return to octagon
Rafael Fiziev has remained sidelined for nearly a full year, however, he recently teased that he may be nearing his return to action. 'Ataman' shared that he is targeting a return before the end of the year during a recent interview with Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, stating:
"Recovery is going good. Straight away after the fight, I'm going to make the surgery so now it's almost one year. Next month is one year and my knee is good. It's going good. Second time is like a little bit slower than the first time, but it's still good now. I'm feeling good. I can't wait to come back. Can't wait and I hope I can come back before New Year."
Check out Rafael Fiziev's comments on his recovery below (starting at the 2:07 mark):
Fiziev added that he has already begun training and sparring. He also noted that he is fully recovered and has not had limitations placed on him during training.