The year 2023 was catastrophic for lightweight star Rafael Fiziev. After winning six back-to-back fights from 2019 to 2022, he faced two losses. Not only did he have to face tough defeats against Justin Gaethje and Mateusz Gamrot, but Fiziev also went through a severe injury on his left leg while throwing a kick at Gamrot, thereby twisting it. Mateusz Gamrot said in his post-fight interview that he did not fathom it was a “Bad situation, bad accident,“ yet. 

Even though he did wish for Fiziev’s speedy recovery, the damage was done. The fighter, who trains at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, knew why he had lost. “I hear how [the] arena [was] screaming and I [wanted] more and more. Ok, I [wanted] action more, I forget about the game plan,” he had declared. Now the fighter from Azerbaijan has talked about his goals for a rematch with his Polish opponent after recovering from his ACL injury. But what about Dana White? He might have some options for Fiziev but will he make them happen?

Rafael Fiziev vs Mateusz Gamrot (Rematch)

It is undeniable that UFC Fight Night 228 was not the slugfest people anticipated, and instead ended with an ACL injury for ‘Ataman’. On top of that, the 12-3 fighter has already talked about his desire for a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot. But why does this match make sense? Well, only because their first bout ended prematurely due to Fiziev’s injury leaving fans without any closure. 

The duo are two top-notch lightweights and now have history, so their rematch, while an absolute banger, gives both fighters a chance to legitimately settle the score. Apart from that, Gamrot’s wrestling acumen vs Fiziev’s elite striking prowess is a recipe for a classic stylistic matchup.  Talking to Submission Radio, Fiziev said, “Honestly, after my last loss against Gamrot, like after when I got surgery, I talked with my manager. And I tell him, ‘Bro, I want a rematch, I want to fight this guy’.”

Fiziev’s desire to fight and the thrill of fighting elite wrestlers seems to have impressed Gamrot. The Polish fighter posted on X, agreeing to take on Fiziev for another 5-round bout. So the UFC head honcho Dana White already has one fight ready on a platter and just has to make it official. But hold on, because Gamrot is not the only prospective fighter for ‘Ataman’ in 2025.

Rafael Fiziev vs Justin Gaethje (Rematch)

It was March 2023 when the Azerbaijani fighter went to war for three rounds against Justin Gaethje aka ‘The Highlight’ at UFC 286. The latter emerged victorious by majority decision ending the six-fight winning streak of ‘Ataman’. Fiziev did an interview in 2024 with The AllStar and spoke about his loss to Gaethje. While discussing the three-round war, he accused his opponent of running during their fight.

He said, “[Gaethje] run away from me for two rounds, he run away. He started to win [against] me only after an eye poke because my eye doesn’t see anything.”  ‘The Highlight’ did not like what he heard in the video and responded by saying that it was “not a good look” for Fiziev.

Anyhow, this rematch would make sense because this memorable war could set the stage for a 2.0 version of the matchup, giving Fiziev the chance to avenge that loss. On top of that, both are aggressive strikers, guaranteeing another firework-filled contest.

Rafael Fiziev vs Michael Chandler

As for a fight with Michael Chandler, ‘Iron’ is still pretty relevant in the lightweight division even after his loss to Charles Oliveira. A fight against Fiziev would test Chandler’s caliber, and the former’s ability to handle relentless pressure would make this fight interesting. Fiziev was pretty direct when he said that Chandler had the same problem as he did – controlling his emotions. 

“Michael and I have the same problem because he also has to control his emotions in the fight,” Fiziev told MMA Fighting, adding, “He has to control it.” Fiziev showed his support for Chandler in a prospective match against McGregor. But if ‘Iron’ and ‘Ataman’ have a similar weakness, it would be all the more entertaining, wouldn’t it?

A potential striking war between two explosive athletes, with Chandler’s wrestling would be a massive hit with fans. So do you think Dana White would consider it? What about a rematch with either Mateusz Gamrot or Justin Gaethje? Do you think White will oblige the fighter from Azerbaijan? Let us know in the comments down below.