After securing a commanding win against Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Baku, Rafael Fiziev immediately turned his focus toward Dan Hooker. The Azerbaijani lightweight contender is eager to reclaim the ranking spot he believes Hooker currently occupies unjustly, aiming to prove himself once again in a high-stakes matchup.
Previously ranked sixth following an impressive six-fight win streak, Fiziev’s standing dropped to 11th due to three consecutive losses. Meanwhile, Dan Hooker, the New Zealand fighter known as the “Kiwi,” currently holds the sixth position that Fiziev claims should still be his. Viewing Hooker as the logical opponent for his next comeback step, Fiziev expressed his desire to settle the dispute in the octagon.
Fiziev emphasized his belief that his past losses were influenced by injury rather than a decline in skill, stating,
“He’s a man. He’s a man. How many crazy fights does he have in there?He deserves one more crazy fight. He has a place now (in the rankings). I don’t believe this place. When I lost to (Mateusz) Gamrot, I didn’t lose that place, really. It was an injury. So this place he now holds, I want to take it back if that’s ok.”
Challenging Hooker for his ranking positions Fiziev as a determined fighter eager to re-establish himself among the division’s elite, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling encounter.
Fiziev Publicly Supports Justin Gaethje’s Championship Bid
Before his UFC Baku bout, Fiziev also voiced his admiration for fellow lightweight Justin Gaethje, endorsing his bid for a title shot. During a conversation with Mike Heck from MMA Fighting, Fiziev praised Gaethje’s consistent performances and readiness to confront top opponents.
The 32-year-old highlighted Gaethje’s resilience and long-standing presence in the top tier, noting that his only recent defeat came at the hands of featherweight legend Max Holloway. Fiziev confidently declared,
“I think he deserves that. He deserves the title shot, for sure. He deserves that. Not because he win me but if not him, who deserves the title shot? He stay on the top long time. Long time he stay in top-three, long time. Just lose for Max [Holloway]. Yeah, but still, I think he deserves this and if he get it, I’m happy for him.”
Fiziev’s endorsement reflects his respect for Gaethje’s achievements and highlights the competitive landscape of the lightweight division, where top contenders vie for championship opportunities.
What Lies Ahead for Fiziev and the Lightweight Division
Rafael Fiziev’s challenge to Dan Hooker hints at a high-stakes showdown that could have significant implications for the lightweight rankings. By targeting Hooker’s position, Fiziev signals his intent to climb back into title contention without delay. Such a matchup promises to not only resolve ranking disputes but also deliver an exhilarating fight for fans.
Moreover, Fiziev’s support for Justin Gaethje underscores the fierce competition within the division and the shifting dynamics as contenders push for title shots. How these narratives unfold will shape the lightweight division’s future, adding tension and excitement as fighters vie for supremacy.