Rafael Fiziev is gearing up to fight Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 286 on Saturday, March 18. The Azerbaijani is on a six-fight winning streak and has a record of 12 wins and one loss, with his sole defeat coming in his debut against Magomed Mustafaev.
Ahead of the biggest fight of his career thus far, an MMA and Muay Thai gym in Thailand made a surprising accusation against Fiziev, writing on Twitter:
“#PayYourRent Fiziev owes 3 months rent for over 3 years to Thai house owner. Has written to them saying he would pay multiple times, but never has. Doesn’t dispute owing rent just doesn’t want want to pay it. @Justin_Gaethje please collect the rent”
Take a look at the tweet:
The allegations came in response to a tweet by UFC lightweight Renato Moicano, which saw him express shock at Rafael Fiziev being the underdog in the fight. He stated that “there’s no way he will lose.”
After Phuket Top Team made the allegations, Moicano responded by asking them if it was real. The gym wrote back:
“100% Paperwork & messages to prove it. But in the end all they want was the 3 months rent.”
Take a look at the tweet:
Fiziev is yet to comment on the situation.
Rafael Fiziev said the UFC promised him a fight against Justin Gaethje
Rumors of a fight between Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje have been rampant since the former defeat Rafael dos Anjos last summer.
The Azerbaijani called out ‘The Highlight’ and spoke about how it was a fight the fans want to see. Fiziev is looking to make his way into the top five of the division and knew a bout with Gaethje is the best way to go about it.
Before the UFC confirmed the fight, ‘Ataman’ told Captain Hardcore that it was promised to him:
“I’m not announcing anything, but the UFC promised us that I’ll be fighting Justin Gaethje in march. Everyone wants this fight, Dana White wants this fight. I was told to get ready for March. We’re waiting for the contract to make it official. That’s what it is as of now. If something changes, I’ll be shocked.”
Rafael Fiziev has been awarded his dream matchup and will be looking to continue his run of form in London. For Gaethje, the bout marks an opportunity to get back into title contention and back to winning ways after losing two of his last three fights.
Check out the interview below: