Injuries remain an unavoidable part of mixed martial arts, often altering fight schedules and reshaping divisional storylines. Athletes can spend months preparing for a single opportunity, only to have unforeseen setbacks force them out of competition. Such was the case for UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev at UFC Rio, who recently revealed the actual reason and nature of his injury.
Fiziev was preparing for what many viewed as a pivotal matchup in his rise through the lightweight rankings. The Brazil event was expected to provide him with a platform to build further momentum and strengthen his case as one of the leading contenders in the division. However, he recently revealed that yet another injury has sidelined him from the Octagon.
Fiziev was set to fight former 155-pound champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of the Rio fight card. However, he pulled out due to an unknown injury. The fight was much anticipated by fans as both fighters have contrasting styles and impressive endurance. ‘Ataman’ recently took to X and finally revealed the true nature of his injury.
Many people are asking me what happened and why I’m out of the fight. I injured my knee again, but Alhamdulillah, there’s no need for surgery. However, I cannot push 100%, I cannot work, cannot wrestle, cannot spar, and I have to heal up right now for a couple of months before coming back to fight.
Rafael Fiziev via X
Fiziev was coming off a dominant performance against Ignacio Bahamondes in June 2025. After all, that was his first win after facing three consecutive losses, out of which two were against Justin Gaethje. He fought Gaethje for the first time at UFC 286 and then went on to fight Mateusz Gamrot six months later. However, he picked up an injury that marked his third loss in the UFC and sidelined him for almost two years.
The Azerbaijan native underwent surgery for a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee before his UFC debut. The UFC Rio bout would have been a crucial opportunity for him. A victory against Oliveira could have marked his second consecutive victory after previously enduring a brutal stretch of three straight losses. He also highlighted how dangerous it would have been if he chose to continue with the injury.
I wish to fight in Brazil, this is my dream fight, but I already had a couple of surgeries on my knee, and it’s a big risk to go for a third surgery on the same knee. That’s not good. I have to heal up, guys.
Rafael Fiziev via X
Fortunately, the UFC has found a replacement for the fight in Mateusz Gamrot and will continue with the Rio headliner. The timeline for Fiziev’s comeback has not yet been set, but his ability to resume training without complications will dictate how soon he can return. Until then, the lightweight division will continue to move forward while one of its most dynamic strikers works his way back to full health.
Rafael Fiziev was shocked by Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight title
Championship changes in the lightweight division have major implications, as the title has long been one of the most competitive prizes in the UFC. The departure of a reigning champion often reshapes the rankings and creates new openings for fighters climbing the ladder. Such was the case when former champion Islam Makhachev vacated his belt to fight Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.