UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev suffered a second-round TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 79 due to an apparent leg injury, and depending on the injury’s extent, his return to the UFC might not happen until 2024.
Rafael Fiziev, a UFC lightweight contender, recognizes the risks inherent to his profession, particularly after his recent defeat in a match against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 79. His bout concluded disappointingly in a second-round TKO in Gamrot’s favor. This came about when a stray kick caused a leg injury for Fiziev, leading to an early conclusion of an otherwise promising contest.
The full extent of Fiziev’s injury is still unconfirmed. Despite this, Fiziev has reached out to his fans following the match. The 30-year-old native of Kazakhstan posted his first message after his loss through a video on Instagram, filmed at a local hospital in Las Vegas.
In the video, Fiziev can be seen patiently awaiting treatment in the company of Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Bryce Mitchell – fellow fighters who also endured substantial injuries in their own UFC Vegas 79 matches. Fiziev laments in the video, “Second round [the injury happened]. Look, everybody [is] here. What a business, yeah? What a business, guys. The best business in the world. Everybody here. Alhamdulillah.”
The nature of Fiziev’s injury may significantly impact his career timeline, potentially sidelining him until 2024. Labeled as ‘Ataman’, Fiziev has unfortunately lost two consecutive bouts following an impressive six-fight winning streak that had catapulted him to UFC title contention. His supporters keenly await updates on his condition and eagerly anticipate his return to the UFC arena, whenever that may be.