Rafael Fiziev Considering Move to Featherweight Division

Rafael Fiziev (12-4) is eyeing a move to featherweight.

Fiziev suffered a unanimous decision loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last weekend. “Ataman” is now looking to move down to featherweight despite having competed at lightweight for the most part of his career.

Fiziev’s plan to move to 145 pounds is influenced by his weight cut for UFC 313, which he claims was really easy. Fiziev says his nutritionist was focused on making him gain weight during the cut, as he was shedding pounds too fast.

“I’m start to thinking right now about change weight divisions,” Fiziev told Ariel Helwani. “Because I really cut weight really easy this time, and this is short notice. Very easy bro. All this week, my nutritionist, Jason, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Yeah, right now I have to think about it.”

Fiziev also said that he weighed 170 pounds on fight night, while he thinks Gaethje was much heavier. When asked if there’s a strong possibility of his next fight being at featherweight, Fiziev replied in the affirmative.

“Yes, it’s possible,” he said. “I think…I think about it long time, yeah. Like I said, I’m not big at this division. My body, I lose weight so, so easily… These guys [at featherweight] have trouble if I come in there. They’ll be in trouble man, everybody.”

Fiziev is now on a three fight skid, two of which came against Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, Gaethje is 3-1 in his last four and rebounded from a BMF title loss against Max Holloway with the win over Fiziev. “The Highlight” is now making his case for a title shot.