UFC on ABC 8 – Rafael Fiziev vs Ignacio Bahamondes – Full Fight Replay Available Today

In front of a roaring home crowd in Baku, Rafael Fiziev stepped into the Octagon with the weight of a three-fight losing streak on his shoulders, determined to reclaim his footing in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division. Across from him stood the ever-dangerous Ignacio Bahamondes — tall, creative, and on a five-fight win streak — looking to break into the top 10 by taking out a hometown favorite.

The first round saw both fighters feeling out range, with Bahamondes flashing unorthodox kicks and lateral movement, while Fiziev remained composed and tight with his guard. Late in the round, the action ignited. Ignacio Bahamondes landed a spinning body kick and an axe kick to the shoulder, but Fiziev countered with a sharp right hand and a clean combination before the horn.

Round two shifted the tone. Bahamondes pressed forward, initiating grappling exchanges and landing stiff elbows, but Fiziev’s takedown defense held firm. Midway through, Rafael Fiziev found rhythm — he clipped Bahamondes with crisp counters and scored two takedowns, including a well-timed slam in the final seconds that clearly swung the momentum in his favor.

In the third, Bahamondes surged with urgency, landing clean punches and pushing the pace. But Fiziev weathered the storm and responded with measured shots, denying another takedown attempt and sealing the round — and the fight — with a final slam and control against the cage.

When the scorecards were read, all three judges handed Fiziev a 30–27 unanimous decision. The Baku crowd exploded in celebration as their hometown fighter snapped his three-year winless run in the UFC and reminded the division of his world-class striking and grit. Bahamondes, though flashy and unpredictable, couldn’t overcome Fiziev’s well-rounded execution.

It was a fight filled with highlight moments — spinning kicks, powerful counters, and hard-earned takedowns — but ultimately, it was Fiziev’s discipline and hunger that carried him to victory in one of the most emotionally charged performances of his career.