The lightweight division is so stacked that it’s easy to look over a fighter as tough as Rafael Fiziev. Born in Kazakhstan to a Russian mother and Azerbaijani father, Fiziev is truly cross-cultural, especially since he has made the UFC his home since joining the promotion, and training with Henri Hooft at Kill Cliff FC. Despite being multi-cultural, ‘Ataman’ proudly displays his heritage with a certain specific head gear.

And his hat his very similar to the one Team Khabib proudly displays—the Papakha. The Papakha is worn by men that inhabit the Caucusus, i.e., countries like Dagestan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. But is it the same as what Rafael Fiziev wears to the Octagon? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out, so strap in as we explore the differences between what Khabib Nurmagomedov wears and the one worn by Fiziev.

How Rafael Fiziev’s hat is different from Khabib’s Papakha?

As mentioned before, Rafael Fiziev was born to an Azerbaijani father and a Russian mother in Korday, Kazakhstan. After a few years, ‘Ataman’ moved to Bishkek in the country of Kyrgyzstan, along with his family while he was a kid. But what connection does his hat have to either Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan? Well, Kazakhstan has the ‘Malahai’ (similar to the Papakha but made with wolf skin), and Kyrgyzstan has the ‘Ak-kalpak’—neither of which Fiziev dons.

No, the grey woolen headpiece that ‘Ataman’ wears resembles an ‘Ushanka’ which is a Russian fur hat—and it makes sense since his mother is Russian. But apparently, the hat isn’t Russian, but it does have a connection to Khabib’s traditional hat, as admitted by the #11-ranked lightweight.

“This is my roots, it’s from Azerbaijan, it’s my family history,” Fiziev said in an interview with Ariel Helwani, three years ago. He briefly touched upon his traditional hat that is not just a hat but a cultural sentiment for the people of his home country. He added, “Like Khabib uses his Papakha, I use my Papakha you know.”

The Papakha was significant for the people of his country because the hat was also used as a symbol of apology. A Papakha can also start a war if someone snatches it while saying something bad about the person. Papakhas are very significant to the mountainous peoples of the Caucasus, because a man’s headgear is considered a very meaningful part of his identity. So, it’s not just a hat but a sentiment and tradition of a country that holds the people together. However, does this mean that Fiziev likes Khabib Nurmagomedov or wants to be associated with him? Does not seem like it.

Rafael Fiziev doesn’t like this one thing about Khabib Nurmagomedov

Fiziev is brave enough to criticize the undefeated 29-0 lightweight king and Hall of Famer. While speaking to MMA journalist James Lynch he admitted that he was never a fan of ‘The Eagle’s style. “I was never his fan because we have different styles. We have big different styles. I’m a striker and he’s a wrestler. In wrestling, he’s very hard and you can win against everyone with his wrestling that Khabib has, but I don’t like this style.” He said.

He also mentioned that he did not like Islam Makhachev’s style of fighting. However Fiziev has never met Khabib but saw him form afar at St. Petersburg when he debuted. What do you think about Fiziev’s idea of wearing the traditional hat? Tell us in the comments below.