Rafael Fiziev Knockout at UFC Baku Draws Wild Reactions

Rafael Fiziev snapped a four-fight losing streak with a second-round knockout of Manuel Torres at UFC Baku on Saturday, and fighters across the lightweight division took notice.

Fiziev landed a spinning wheel kick that buckled Torres midway through the second frame, then followed with ground strikes to finish the job in front of a loud Azerbaijan crowd. The win moves Fiziev back into the lightweight mix after a rough 1-4 stretch that included two losses to current champion Justin Gaethje.

Fiziev eyes BMF title after Torres finish

The first round was competitive, with Torres threatening to spoil the homecoming before Fiziev found his range in round two. MMA Fighting reported that Fiziev came out aggressive after the break, blasting Torres with the wheel kick and following up with punches to seal the stoppage.

According to the report, Fiziev appears more interested in the BMF title than a third crack at Gaethje's undisputed belt. His social media after the fight hinted at bigger names outside the rankings.

Pros reacted quickly, with several fighters posting reactions to the wheel kick finish. One wrote on social media that Fiziev "put his ass in the dirt," per MMA Fighting's coverage of the online response.

Fiziev has not announced his next opponent, though the BMF title picture could clarify in the coming weeks.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — ‘Put his ass in the dirt’: Pros react to Rafael Fiziev’s spectacular UFC Baku knockout