Rafael Fiziev open to Magomed Zaynukov fight at UFC

Rafael Fiziev is interested in facing Magomed Zaynukov, the undefeated striker and Islam Makhachev training partner who debuts at UFC Abu Dhabi later this month.

Fiziev, who knocked out Manuel Torres in Baku earlier this year, told Red Corner MMA that Zaynukov would make for a striking showcase if the promotion ever matched them. The two crossed paths in the amateur muay thai circuit years ago, and Fiziev remembers Zaynukov winning a world championship in Sweden.

Fiziev recalls Zaynukov's muay thai background

"I know him from my muay thai days; he is a very good fighter," Fiziev said, per Sherdog. "I even remember his amateur fights. We fought at the same world championships in Sweden. He's really good; he became champion back then." Fiziev added that Makhachev has been pushing for Zaynukov to land high-profile matchups. "Of course, he is Islam's friend, his teammate, his brother," Fiziev said. "If they ever offer me that fight, I'm sure it would be spectacular. Two muay thai fighters in an MMA fight… This would be super cool."

Zaynukov earned his contract on Dana White's Contender Series last year and carries an 8-0 record into his UFC debut against Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. Fiziev also revealed he helped Shakhmar Sadygov prepare for his fight with Zaynukov, which Zaynukov won by decision before joining the UFC roster.

Fiziev stands 14-5 as a ranked lightweight and is coming off the spinning back kick finish of Torres in Azerbaijan.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Rafael Fiziev explains why ‘Wild Chanco’ would be an exciting UFC opponent