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After losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, Rafael Fiziev is considering a career change. The Kazakh fighter suffered his third straight loss, and after accepting the fight in place of the injured Dan Hooker, he once again ran into amazing Gaethje.
Although Fiziev was competitive, Gaethje won by unanimous decision, showing why he is one of the most respected fighters in the UFC.
Considering new career directions
Fiziev did not back down easily, as he once again showed his strength and fighting spirit in the fight with Gaethje. However, his third consecutive loss has opened up new questions about his future. In a conversation with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell, Fiziev indicated that he is seriously considering a move to featherweight, which would be a drastic change in his career. Given his current failures at lightweight, many are wondering if this move will be the right one.
But UFC veteran Chael Sonnen is not so keen on the idea of moving down a division. On his YouTube channel, Sonnen stressed that such moves rarely bring the desired success. “Shaving weight can significantly affect the length of a fighter’s career. History shows that few people make significant progress after moving down a division,” Sonnen said, warning of the risks of the move.
Despite these dangers, Fiziev seems determined.
In an interview with Campbell, he said he already has his next fight lined up, although he declined to reveal who his next opponent will be. This shows his determination to get back into the fight, even after a setback.
Possible fights with fighters like Giga Chikadze or Arman Tsarukyan could be ideal challenges for him to get back in shape and move up the rankings.
A decision on a possible move to featherweight is still under consideration, but Fiziev could find a new opportunity to change his career.
Despite Sonnen's warnings, he has already proven that he is not one to back down from a challenge. This next step could be crucial for his future in the UFC.
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