UFC: Rafael Fiziev stops Brad Riddell with spinning-wheel kick, and then calls out Vince Vaughn
- Surging Kyrgyzstani lightweight TKOs former training partner in spectacular style in UFC Vegas 44 co-main event
- ‘When I met him, I loved him from the first second. He’s a very nice person, and I learn from him before and today also,’ Fiziev says
Rafael Fiziev came out on top against his friend and former teammate Brad Riddell after landing a stunning spinning-wheel kick to get a third-round TKO at UFC Vegas 44.
Billed as a potential fight of the year contender, there may not have been as many fireworks on display as expected, but Saturday night’s lightweight co-main event was certainly a thrilling tactical battle.
The two men – who had identical 10-1 records heading into the bout – repeatedly collided with lightning-fast flurries throughout a tight affair, which seemed to be all square at one round apiece heading into the third, before the Kyrgyz caught the New Zealander late on.
The No 12-ranked “Quake” seemed to freeze against the fence after getting hit flush on the jaw out of nowhere, and referee Herb Dean made a brilliant call before Fiziev could swarm in and land even more punishment.
“I waited for this moment for three rounds,” Fiziev told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier. “I didn’t turn because I know when he goes this way he drops his hand down and he forgets about spinning back kicks. Sometimes it happens.”
With victory, No 14-ranked Fiziev made it five wins in a row since losing his UFC debut to Magomed Mustafaev via spinning-back kick and punches in April 2019.