LAS VEGAS – Rafael Fiziev thinks he’s grown stronger from his loss to Justin Gaethje ahead of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 228 main event.
After putting together a six-fight winning streak in the lightweight division, Fiziev (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) ran into a difficult hurdle in “BMF” champ Gaethje at UFC 286 in March. He started strong, but then was bloodied and outworked down the stretch in a unanimous decision defeat.
Six months later, Fiziev is back and set to take on Mateusz Gamrot (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in a key 155-pound headliner at the UFC Apex, which streams on ESPN+. He’s come to terms with his performance with Gaethje, shored up the holes he identified in his strategy and execution, and is prepared to get back on track.
