Competing on home soil carries a special responsibility, says Azerbaijan’s MMA star Rafael Fiziev.
Idman.biz, via Report, reports the 32-year-old fighter shared his excitement about the upcoming UFC event in Baku.
“I’m happy to be fighting in Baku,” Fiziev said during a special media session. “Preparations are ongoing. I just finished a tough training session, and I will be 100% ready for the Baku event. I can promise you — it will be a very exciting fight. My opponent is very strong, but that doesn’t intimidate me. I’m not concerned about his height advantage. He’ll be tested in the Octagon, and I’ll be the one testing him. Fighting in my homeland is a huge honor, and now it’s becoming a reality.”
Fiziev also addressed the pressure ahead of the bout, especially after three consecutive losses: “No matter where I fight, my home crowd always follows me. Yes, I’ve had three defeats in a row, and I need this victory to stay in the title race. So there’s some pressure — but at the very least, I’m confident the fans will enjoy my fight.”
He also commented on other Azerbaijani fighters: “I’ve heard that Tofig Musayev may join the UFC, but nothing’s official yet. Before the Baku event, the UFC should sign 2–3 Azerbaijani fighters to give them a chance as well.”
Fiziev praised Nazim Sadykhov, another Azerbaijani fighter, calling him “a top-level athlete.”
UFC Fight Night will take place on June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall. Rafael Fiziev is set to face Chile’s Ignacio Bahamondes, while Nazim Sadykhov will square off against Brazil’s Nikolas Motta.
Idman.biz
