UFC lightweight standouts Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot fought last night at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Nevada. These fighters have followed similar career trajectories, both quickly ascending to the upper echelon of the lightweight division.
These two new-generation lightweights, despite facing a couple of losses along the way, showcased their talent and potential. Unfortunately, tonight’s fight didn’t go well for Fiziev last night as “The Ataman” suffered a gruesome leg injury.
Mateusz Gamrot picks up TKO win over Rafael Fiziev
Rafael Fiziev lost the battle against Mateusz Gamrot as “The Ataman” suffered a horrendous leg injury last night. While Gamrot was looking good to begin with, it might be considered unfair that arguably the biggest win of his career will have an impact next to it due to the injury.
Mateusz Gamrot defeats Rafael Fiziev by second round TKO ! Fiziev appeared to injured his leg #UFCVegas79
— Combat Sports Today 📰 (@CSTodayNews) September 24, 2023
pic.twitter.com/xo1bYaZ4fc
The leg injury didn’t come from Gamrot kicking on Rafael leg’s but on the contrary it happened because of Rafael kicking Gamrot’s elbow. As soon as he kicked Gamrot’s elbow, Fiziev winced and dropped on the canvas. Watching the doctors work on his leg, it was difficult to accurately assess the severity of the injury. However, Rafael couldn’t walk on his own and had to be carried out by two people after the fight.
An unfortunate end to #UFCVegas79, but @Gamer_MMA is walking away with the win tonight. pic.twitter.com/JqOAXpdfB7
— UFC (@ufc) September 24, 2023
The TKO finish came in the 2nd round and gave Gamrot, a slight underdog coming into the fight, his second straight win. Then Gamrot said he’s ready for a top-five opponent before he’s ready for a title shot – and called out former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who is fighting champ Islam Makhachev in a month at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Fiziev had to be helped out of the Octagon after his injury #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/wJDS0RzqPj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 24, 2023
Rafael Fiziev injury update
Rafael’s injury brought an abrupt end to the UFC Vegas 79 main event clash, leaving Gamrot to celebrate a muted victory over a fellow top 10 lightweight. The bout looked like it would live up to the hype after an exciting first round, but just two minutes into the second round, Fiziev fell to the ground in pain after throwing a high kick.
Rafael Fiziev shares a video of him at the hospital with Bryce Mitchell & Michelle Waterson-Gomez pic.twitter.com/swxw2VQweI
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) September 24, 2023
Rafael has shared a video of himself in the hospital in which the Ataman can be found lying on the stretcher along with Bryce Mitchell, who emerged victorious against Dan Ige, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez, who lost against Marina Rodriguez. In the video, Rafael can be heard calling the UFC the baddest and the best business in the world, with the fellow patients and fighters agreeing with the Ataman.
What’s your take on the bout between Rafael and Mateusz Gamrot? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.