Rafael Fiziev Calls Out Dan Hooker After UFC Baku Win

Rafael Fiziev wants another tall opponent next. 

Fiziev, was an underdog going into his UFC Baku co-main event bout against Ignacio Bahamondes, who was seven inches taller than him with a four-inch reach advantage. However, “Ataman” showed impeccable range control in closing the distance en route to a unanimous decision win in front of his home crowd in Azerbaijan. Fiziev subsequently called for another tall opponent in Dan Hooker. Fiziev believes he has a knack for fighting taller opponents and wants to take the war to “The Hangman.” 

Hooker defeated Mateusz Gamrot in his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 305 last year. Meanwhile, Fiziev suffered a loss against Gamrot in 2023 due to a mid-fight knee injury.

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“In my mind, first one after this tall guy is Dan Hooker,” Fiziev said. “He’s one more tall guy. I like to fight with tall guys… He’s a man. How many crazy fights he have and he deserve one more crazy fight. And he have a place now… When I lost to Gamrot I don’t lost that place for real. It’s my injury. So this place now he hold, I will take it back.”

Fiziev’s win on Saturday saw him rebound from a three-fight slump. The 32-year-old dropped two decisions in memorable fights against Justin Gaethje, along with the injury loss against Gamrot. Meanwhile, Hooker has seemingly found the proverbial second wind in his career. After going 1-4 from 2020 to 2022, the Kiwi has rebounded with a three-fight winning streak against tough competition.