Fiziev Returns To Winning Ways With Second-Round Knockout In Baku

Rafael Fiziev returned to winning ways in front of his home crowd in Baku — and wasted no time telling the world what he wants next.

The lightweight needed a response after a knockout loss earlier this year abd delivered it in the second round against Manuel Torres. The second round lasted fifteen seconds before Fiziev found his opening. A looping spinning back kick connected just enough to stumble Torres backward, and from there Fiziev kept composed rather than rushing — applying sustained pressure through heavy punches that Torres could not withstand. The referee stepped in and the home crowd in Baku got exactly what they came to see.

Fiziev thanked the crowd and pointed directly at Charles Oliveira, calling out the BMF champion for a title fight. Oliveira sits at number three in the lightweight rankings. Fiziev, currently ranked eleventh, is looking at a potential jump up the rankings on the back of Saturday's performance.

Oliveira has been vocal about wanting a Justin Gaethje title fight and framing himself as the division's most deserving challenger. A Fiziev fight does not get him closer to the lightweight belt, but the BMF title is a marketable occasion and Fiziev's finishing ability makes him the kind of opponent whose callout generates attention rather than being dismissed.