Rafael Fiziev on loss to Justin Gaethje: ‘I didn’t follow my game plan’

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Rafael Fiziev identified his mistakes from his loss against Justin Gaethje. And he does not intend to make them again.

“I have no one to blame but myself,” said Fiziev. “I focused too much on the arena and fans. I didn’t follow my game plan.”

Fiziev lost to Gaethje in March at UFC 286. The fight took place at the O2 in London, a massive stage–one that proved too grand for Fiziev.

“When you fight, you have to follow the game plan and forget about everything else,” said Fiziev. “I did not do that. I was too focused on everything else.”

Gaethje clearly won two of the three rounds, executing his game plan to perfection. The loss was humbling for Fiziev (12-2), who entered the bout on a six-fight win streak.

“I did not get what I wanted, which was the win,” said Fiziev. “But it all goes to experience. It will help me in the future. I know I still have more to learn.”

When @RafaelFiziev became the Chosen One 😎#UFCVegas79 | SATURDAY | Live on ESPN+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/gwokZmK1OT
— UFC (@ufc) September 21, 2023

Fiziev steps back into the Octagon tomorrow at UFC Fight Night in the Apex. His opponent is Mateusz Gamrot, another dangerous contender in a lightweight division full of them.

“Gamrot is one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the lightweight division,” said Fiziev. “His cardio is great, too. That is what excites me. If I can stop him, it will show what I am capable of doing.”

Gamrot (22-2, 1 NC) had his momentum derailed when he lost to Beneil Dariush in a one-sided bout in October, snapping his own four-fight winning streak. But he returned in March with a split decision victory against Jalin Turner, which was exactly what he needed to restore his place in an extremely competitive division.

“I want to be the best, so I need to beat him,” said Fiziev. “My motivation is my family. That is first. And I want glory and money. I want both. So I need this win.”

First to the scale @RafaelFiziev comes in at 1️⃣5️⃣6️⃣ pounds!#UFCVegas79 | SATURDAY | Live on ESPN+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/nd0zrZEt34
— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2023

This will be a clash of styles. Fiziev hits his opponent with an onslaught as soon as the fight begins, while Gamrot precisely picks apart his opponent over time. In the loss to Gaethje, a clear difference was Gaethje’s patience, which paid dividends in the second and third round. It clearly rattled Fiziev, who struggled with the hook and the uppercut over the final 10 minutes.

Fiziev’s ability to adjust will be critical against Gamrot. Watching how this unfolds, especially seeing whether Fiziev can handle Gamrot’s consistent pressure, should be fascinating.

“I have the cardio for five rounds,” said Fiziev. “I just need to follow my game plan.”

The Pick ‘Em Section:

UFC Fight Night lightweight bout: Rafael Fiziev vs. Mateusz Gamrot

Pick: Rafael Fiziev

UFC Fight Night featherweight bout: Bryce Mitchell vs. Dan Ige

Pick: Bryce Mitchell

UFC Fight Night women’s strawweight bout: Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs. Marina Rodriguez

Pick: Marina Rodriguez

UFC Fight Night welterweight bout: Andre Fialho vs. Tim Means

Pick: Tim Means

Bellator 299 middleweight title bout: Johnny Eblen (c) vs. Fabian Edwards

Pick: Johnny Eblen

Bellator 299 featherweight bout: Aaron Pico vs. Pedro Carvalho

Pick: Aaron Pico

Last week: 3-1

2023 record: 104-62