Rafael Fiziev is from UFC Rio and he explained why that is the case.
Fiziev was expected to share the Octagon with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. The competition would take place in Farmasi Arena on 11 October. It was revealed that Fiziev was drawn from the UFC Rio card because of an injury and Mateusz Gamrot was increased.
In a new video on his Instagram stories, Fiziev revealed the size of his injury and why it would have been a bad idea to continue with the Oliveira fight (H/T Red corner MMA).
🇧🇷 Rafael Fiziev opens at knee injury and misses his dream fight in Brazil 🦵 🦵
“Many people ask me what happened and why I got out of the battle. I wounded my knee again, but Alhamdulillah, there is no need for an operation. However, I can’t push 100%, I can’t work, can’t … pic.twitter.com/tismruhayz
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_Mma) September 24, 2025
“Many people ask me what happened and why I got out of the battle. I have injured my knee again, but Alhamdulillah, there is no need for an operation. However, I can’t push 100%, I can’t work, can’t struggle and I have to heal for a few months before I come back to fight.
I want to fight in Brazil, this is my dream fight, but I already had a few operations on my knee and it is a big risk of going a third operation on the same knee. That’s not good. I have to heal, guys. “
Fiziev hoped to take advantage of his unanimous decision victory over newcomer Ignacio Bahamonde’s in June. A victory over Oliveira would have catapulted him near the UFC Lightweight title photo despite two losses for Justin Gaethje. Fiziev will have to wait a little longer to get such a chance, but it seems that he can avoid a potential career-changing operation.
As far as Oliveira is concerned, the change in opponent in Gamrot figures to keep the UFC Rio head event interesting. Gamrot went 4-1 in his last five outings and “Do Bronx” is so far the most controversial opponent of his career.
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