Rafael Fiziev defeated Manuel Torres via a spinning back kick knockout during the UFC Baku event in Azerbaijan.
The victory allows Fiziev to re-establish himself as a contender in the lightweight division after a period of struggle. By securing a highlight-reel finish, the 33-year-old fighter [2] aims to climb back into the rankings of one of the promotion's most competitive weight classes.
Fiziev entered the bout seeking a rebound after a difficult stretch in his professional career. He had lost four of his last five fights prior to this appearance [3]. The win in Baku marks a significant shift in momentum for the striker, who has now secured two UFC wins in as many outings [1].
The finish came when Fiziev landed a spinning back kick that knocked Torres unconscious. The strike ended the contest abruptly and reinforced Fiziev's reputation for utilizing unconventional and powerful kicking techniques, a hallmark of his striking style.
Following the victory, Fiziev said he is interested in facing Charles Oliveira. This call-out suggests that Fiziev believes his current form is sufficient to challenge top-tier opponents in the division.
Despite the win, reports indicate that Fiziev dealt with alarming vision issues following the knockout. These health concerns may complicate his immediate timeline for a return to the Octagon, though he remains focused on his trajectory toward a title shot.
“Fiziev knocked out Manuel Torres with a spinning back kick at UFC's Baku event.”
This result halts a losing streak for Fiziev and validates his standing as a dangerous striker in the lightweight division. While the knockout victory provides necessary momentum and a potential path toward high-profile opponents like Charles Oliveira, the reported vision issues introduce a variable that could impact his physical readiness for future bouts.
