“It was before school, like five years old, we were kids and we fight like real dogs. Because 2 dollars in a village, you are a very rich guy,” Rafael Fiziev once recalled, speaking about his early years when his father encouraged him and his cousins to scrap for pocket change. A few bruises and years later, that scrappy kid is now a top UFC lightweight contender. From those brutal childhood brawls to sending home UFC bonuses to his family, Fiziev has come full circle in his combat sports journey.

Now, at UFC 313, he steps in on short notice to face a familiar adversary in Justin Gaethje, replacing Dan Hooker. With a loss to ‘The Highlight’ in their first meeting at UFC 286, Fiziev is looking to even the score, and what better way than by seizing this late opportunity? But while fans love his fighting style, many are still curious about the man behind the gloves, his background, his language skills, and how he ended up representing different nations.

Rafael Fiziev’s Primary Language

If you’ve followed ‘Ataman’ long enough, you’ve probably never heard him speak his primary language on camera. So, what does he actually speak? Well, considering his diverse background, it’s safe to assume he’s fluent in Kyrgyz or Russian, possibly both.

Being born to an Azerbaijani father and a Russian mother in Korday (a village in southeastern Kazakhstan), Fiziev later moved to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Rather than staying loyal to just one nationality, he has represented both Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan at different points in his career, embracing the complexity of his roots. Adding another layer to his background, many believe Fiziev could belong to the Dungan community, a Chinese Muslim ethnic group primarily residing in Korday. This makes his linguistic skills all the more intriguing, he may very well have knowledge of multiple languages, including Azerbaijani.

Yet, his national affiliations haven’t been without controversy. Now, here’s where things get a slightly messy. ‘Ataman’ originally fought under the Kyrgyzstan flag. But in 2021, he made headlines for a controversial switch. He claimed he was done representing the country due to how Shia Muslims were allegedly treated in Sunni-majority Kyrgyzstan. As a devout Sunni himself, this didn’t sit well with him. In a now-deleted post, he declared, “That’s it, I’m done. Nothing ties me to Kyrgyzstan anymore. My family and I are considering moving. I will no longer compete for Kyrgyzstan.” And just like that, he had switched allegiances to Azerbaijan.

Does Rafael Fiziev Speak English?

Yes! And honestly, he speaks it pretty well. While some fighters struggle with English interviews, this lightweight contender has handled himself impressively in the UFC spotlight. For someone who wasn’t raised in an English-speaking environment, Fiziev has picked it up impressively over the years. Whether he’s hyping up a fight, cracking jokes, or giving post-fight interviews, his English is solid.

Need proof? Let’s rewind to UFC 286, where Fiziev squared off against Justin Gaethje for the first time. Before the fight, he confidently said, “I’m waiting for the best Gaethje in front of me. I’m waiting for a hard fight from him.” Clear, direct, and straight to the point.

But Fiziev isn’t just about fight talk. He’s got a fun side too. In an interview with BT Sport’s Adam Catterall, he joked about how fighting ruined his birthday celebrations. “Last year, I had to fight Dos Anjos on March 5, my birthday, and yeah, that’s good. That’s my job.” You have to respect a guy who can laugh about missing out on cake for the sake of a “job” right? So, whether he’s switching national flags or breaking down fight strategy, one thing’s for sure, language is no barrier for Rafael Fiziev. With UFC 313 fast approaching, will he settle the score against Gaethje? Can he prove he’s evolved since their last encounter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!