Rafael Fiziev’s desired next opponent has also recently undergone nose surgery.
Fiziev (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) went under the knife after scoring a fifth-round knockout of Rafael dos Anjos this past Saturday at UFC on ESPN 39. In his post-fight interview, the streaking lightweight called out Justin Gaethje, who also just got his nose fixed.
Fiziev saw Gaethje’s image post surgery and jokingly raised him one.
“Perfect timing
Let’s find out who’s nose job is better
@Justin_Gaethje”
Perfect timing 👃 Let’s find out who’s nose job is better 😂 @Justin_Gaethje pic.twitter.com/hasx9yzCz2
— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) July 15, 2022
Gaethje (23-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) took the opportunity to fix a nagging nose injury. After outlasting Michael Chandler in a Fight of the Year at UFC 268 last November, the former interim lightweight champion fell short in his second attempt at undisputed gold when he was submitted by Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 274.
Meanwhile, Fiziev has been on a role. Prior to knocking ex-UFC lightweight champ dos Anjos out, the 29-year-old scored a spinning wheel kick finish of Tiger Muay Thai teammate Brad Riddell at UFC on ESPN 31 last December. Fiziev has won his past six in a row, receiving bonuses in his past five outings.
