Rafael Fiziev made a triumphant return at UFC Baku, securing a win over Torres. This victory was more than just another notch in his record; it was a significant confidence booster for Fiziev, who admitted he "didn't believe in myself anymore" after his previous loss to Justin Gaethje. He credits Gaethje's historic win for giving him the motivation he needed to regain his self-belief. Now, with his confidence restored, Fiziev is already looking ahead, even targeting a BMF title fight, citing a "little story" he has with Charles Oliveira.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Video, poll: Is rare Suloev stretch automatically UFC Baku’s best finish? (Yahoo Sports)
- Rafael Fiziev admits Justin Gaethje’s historic win helped him regain his confidence, ‘I didn’t believe in myself anymore’ (Yahoo Sports)
- He said what?!? UFC Baku fighter literally predicted first-punch knockout ... then got sparked in eight seconds (MMA Mania)
- UFC Baku results: Sooo … About last night | Fiziev vs. Torres (MMA Mania)
- Rafael Fiziev Credits Justin Gaethje for Giving Him Extra Motivation (Yahoo Sports)
- Rafael Fiziev admits Justin Gaethje’s historic win helped him regain his confidence, ‘I didn’t believe in myself anymore’ (MMA Mania)
- UFC Baku Results: Biggest winners, losers from ‘Fiziev vs. Torres’ last night (MMA Mania)
- PFL purses show main eventer got just $10k, ex-UFC title challenger also paid surprisingly little (Bloody Elbow)
- Liz Carmouche Taps Viviane Araujo With Round 2 Guillotine At PFL San Diego, Highlights (MiddleEasy)
- A.J. McKee Jr. Sweeps Salamat Isbulaev On 30-27 Cards At PFL San Diego, Highlights (MiddleEasy)
- A.J. McKee calls for title shot after dominating Salamat Isbulaev in PFL San Diego main event (MMA Fighting)
- Alex Pereira under fire as MMA seminar releases statement after complaints about him: ‘Disgusted’ (Bloody Elbow)
- UFC Baku winner Rafael Fiziev targets BMF title fight given ‘little story’ with Charles Oliveira (BJPENN.com)
- He said what?!? UFC Baku fighter literally predicted first-punch knockout ... then got sparked in eight seconds (Yahoo Sports)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the June 28, 2026 edition of the daily show.