Rafael Fiziev is rolling with ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler when former the Bellator MMA champion throws hands with ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor later this year.
On Saturday night, Fiziev will step into the co-main event spotlight for a clash with No. 3 ranked lightweight fan favorite Justin Gaethje. It will be a high-stakes matchup for both fighters as ‘The Highlight’ hopes to stay relevant in the 155-pound division while Fiziev attempts to use him as the final stepping stone to a UFC title opportunity.
Sitting down to speak to the media at the UFC 286 press event on Wednesday, Fiziev was asked for his take on the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor and how he sees things playing out between the Irish superstar and his opponent, Michael Chandler.
“Interesting fight,” Fiziev said. “If we see McGregor like he do in his last couple fights, I don’t think he won, but Chandler is focused. He’s the same always. He’s motivated. I think he waited for this fight. He asked for this fight for a long time already and if he goes in the same, I think this is his night.”
Rafael Fiziev Goes for His Seventh Straight Win at UFC 286
Currently, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are in the process of filming the 31st season of the promotion’s popular reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. With the new season expected to air between May and August, the two fighters will then step into the Octagon for a high-octane showdown slated for September or October if all goes according to plan.
As for Rafael Fiziev, ‘Ataman’ goes into his UFC 286 bout riding a six-fight win streak dating back to 2019. In July, Fiziev scored a fifth-round TKO over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, setting up his opportunity to break into the division’s top five at the expense of Justin Gaethje.
Fiziev is currently listed as a moderate -225 favorite on DraftKings while ‘The Highlight’ sits as a +190 underdog.
