Rafael Fiziev scored a quick victory against Manuel Torres at UFC Baku, according to Yahoo Sports. The knockout came just 15 seconds into the second round on Saturday, May 27, 2026. Despite the win, Fiziev revealed he relied on luck after sustaining an eye injury during the fight.
What happened
Rafael Fiziev secured a stunning second-round stoppage against Manuel Torres at UFC Baku. Known for his striking ability, Fiziev, age 33, faced a challenging matchup from the outset. He absorbed a jab in the first round that left him partially blind in his left eye, complicating his performance.
Nevertheless, Fiziev quickly turned the tide with a spinning wheel kick. This move led to a flurry of punches that ended the fight just 15 seconds into Round 2. “I’m very lucky with that. I didn’t see anything when I hit this spinning back kick,” he told Uncrowned. Fiziev’s corner, unaware of his compromised sight, offered standard advice during the fight.
“When I make my decision to [throw the] spinning back kick, I just did it because I didn’t see anything,” Fiziev explained. His victory against Torres marked a crucial rebound after a difficult stretch in his recent career, which saw him go 1-4 in his last five fights.
Why it matters
This victory was pivotal for Fiziev, who had struggled to finish opponents since July 2022. The win lifted the psychological weight he carried, particularly after feeling unsatisfied with a previous decision victory. “Too much [doubt] in mind all this time,” he acknowledged, indicating the mental challenges he faced leading up to the fight.
With this win, Fiziev aims to maintain momentum in his career, suggesting he hopes to fight again in 2026. Successfully competing again may solidify his standing in the lightweight division.
Background
Prior to the win against Torres, Fiziev experienced a challenging period, especially following a defeat to now-champion Justin Gaethje in March 2023. This loss was part of a tough run that also included an ACL tear and a string of subpar performances, leading to doubts about his ability in the octagon.
On May 20, 2025, Fiziev fought Ignacio Bahamondes but was not satisfied with the decision win, adding to his recent frustrations. Some observers noted that his skill set warranted higher performance standards.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Fiziev expressed confidence in wanting to compete at least once more in 2026. He is also keen to follow developments in the lightweight title picture, especially involving potential matchups between current champion Gaethje and top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
