As the UFC’s calendar progresses this year, the lightweight division saw Ilia Topuria move up from the featherweight division after struggling with weight cuts. Many believe this was a smart decision for Topuria, but what about fighters opting to drop down a weight class? It’s a rare choice, but fighters have done it before. A prime example is two-time former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, who, after a successful bantamweight career, moved down to challenge then-flyweight champion Henry Cejudo—though he came up short in that pursuit. Now, UFC lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev is considering a similar shift.

At UFC 313 last week, Fiziev had an opportunity when Dana White and Co. put him on short notice to face #3-ranked contender Justin Gaethje in the co-main event. However, after three rounds, the judges handed him a unanimous decision loss, marking his third consecutive defeat after an 18-month setback. Following the loss, Fiziev hinted at the possibility of dropping to a lower weight class, stating, “I’m starting to think about changing weight divisions.” He considered moving to featherweight, adding, “I cut weight very easily” during his fight with Gaethje. This sparked debate and stirred up the division, with many reacting to the potential change.

Recently, former UFC fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen weighed in on Fiziev’s decision through his YouTube channel, warning about the risks of switching divisions. Sonnen labeled the move as “not a great idea,” emphasizing that for fighters, what truly matters is “money and miles.”

As Rafael Fiziev, who resides in Thailand, travels to America for each fight, the Oregon native cautioned that dropping to 145 lbs could shorten the Azerjaijani’s career. “You will shorten your career by going to 145 lbs. And historically speaking, you can’t find me examples where that has worked. You could historically find the other way around, where a 145-pounder becomes a 155-pounder. Max Holloway loses his fight at 145, but he’s the champion—BMF of 155, just for a recent example.

‘The American Gangster’ gave examples of Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier finding success at higher weight classes, before adding, “The number one reason guys retire is because they don’t want to make weight anymore.”

Chael Sonnen’s words hold weight, especially when considering the recent decision of the 30-year-old featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who moved up to the 155-lb division after struggling with weight cuts as aging made them increasingly difficult to endure. At 32, Rafael Fiziev is at a pivotal moment in his career, where continuing to cut weight may no longer be the best option, as the body becomes more resistant to such efforts with age.

Before the Gaethje rematch, the Phuket resident’s last fight happened in 2023 against former KSW featherweight champion Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 79, a bout he lost by technical knockout. Besides the defeat, Fiziev suffered a knee injury, which initially delayed a potential rematch with Gamrot at the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. However, that fight never came to fruition. Now, after his third consecutive loss, Fiziev has shown no regrets about accepting short-notice fights and has openly discussed his decision.

Rafael Fiziev came clean about his defeat against Justin Gaethje

Despite falling short in his rematch with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, Rafael Fiziev expressed satisfaction with his performance. The fight earned him fan-favorite status, with many recognizing him as one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. Stepping in on short notice, ‘Ataman’ gave ‘The Highlight’ a tough challenge, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

Though it was his second loss to Justin Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev didn’t feel the same way as with previous defeats. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s show, he explained how, even though he wasn’t physically 100% ready, he was mentally excited to share the Octagon with the former interim champion.

“My cardio wasn’t great because it was short notice, and I wasn’t fully prepared for the fight. But mentally, when I entered the fight, man, for the first time in my life.. smiled so much before the fight. I’ve had around 250, maybe 300 fights in my career, and I’ve never smiled. Never. But this time, I smiled. I was enjoying it. I was relaxed. I knew my people supported me… I’m sad I lost because I wanted to win, but I did my best, and despite the loss, I still felt so good in that fight.”

Considering Chael Sonnen’s perspective, do you think Rafael Fiziev made the right call in dropping down to the featherweight division at 32? With many fighters trying to steer clear of the “sanctioned cheating” associated with weight-cutting, what’s your take on his decision? Feel free to share your thoughts below.