UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev has graphic intentions for Justin Gaethje when they collide this weekend.
On Saturday, the MMA leader heads across the pond for its first UK-held pay-per-view since 2016. The promotion will bring with it a blockbuster headliner, which is understandably attracting much of the attention during fight week.
But while the trilogy bout between reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards and former titleholder Kamaru Usman is the center of attention as they gear up to share the cage inside The O2 arena, the co-main event doesn’t sit too far behind in terms of intrigue.
In it, surging lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev will look to break into the top five and title contention at the expense of former interim champ Justin Gaethje.
While there isn’t gold on the line, the UFC 286 co-headliner is expected to deliver some of the biggest fireworks of the night, with both men boasting a penchant for striking and knockouts.
And despite Gaethje’s credentials and talent on the feet, “Ataman” is expecting to make it a rough and bloody night for “The Highlight.”
Rafael Fiziev outlines firm plans for Justin Gaethje beating
During the first episode of the UFC 286 Embedded: Vlog Series, Fiziev was filmed looking ahead to his outing in England’s capital on March 18.
Throughout his career, Gaethje has gained a reputation as an all-out brawler. That’s seemingly music to the ears of Fiziev, who wants nothing more than for blood to be spilled inside the Octagon.
Specifically, that of “The Highlight.”
“I’m ready like never (before),” Fiziev said. “Fans make this business, and I agree with fans: this is fireworks. Like his nickname, ‘Highlight.’ This win, I mean, look, he’s a former interim champion, he’s fought with legends a lot, he’s had a big career, he’s a very famous guy.
“I can’t wait to go in and see him in the cage. Just together, smell blood, smell his heart. Yeah, and eat his heart after,” Fiziev added.
In a stacked lightweight division that includes the in-form Beneil Dariush and his next opponent, former champion Charles Oliveira, Fiziev is understandably looking to make a statement when he takes to the Octagon this Saturday.
Should he repeat the feats he achieved against Brad Riddell and Rafael dos Anjos in his most recent two appearances, the Azerbaijani will ascend into the title conversation in emphatic fashion.
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