Alim Nabiev: Fiziev followed all tactics and won

Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev secured victory in the main bout of the UFC tournament in Baku by successfully executing all tactical instructions, Alim Nabiyev, who is part of the coaching staff of the 33-year-old MMA athlete, told Report.

"Ten days before the second Baku event, we met and worked together. I explained the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent, Mexican fighter Manuel Torres. We analyzed him thoroughly. I advised Rafael to fight at close range and prioritize leg strikes. He followed all the tactical plans, and that's why he won," Nabiyev said.

Nabiyev recalled that his cooperation with Fiziev began as a friendship: "In 2025, three days before the first UFC event in Baku, I arrived in Azerbaijan. Fiziev's opponent then, Ignacio Bahamondes, had a similar build and technique to mine. We sparred 15–20 rounds in three days. Rafael listened to my advice and won. Later, we trained together in Thailand. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend his fight in Australia, where he lost due to missed instructions."

He added that while supporting Fiziev during the latest event, he could only partially follow other matches: "I liked Tahir Abdullayev's fight - very aggressive and promising. With proper training and a strong team, he can achieve big victories. Nazim Sadykhov has long represented us in UFC; although he lost, I believe he will come back stronger. Fermán Hasanov made his UFC debut - a great start despite some fatigue."

The UFC Fight Night Baku was held on June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena. Azerbaijani fighters Tahir Abdullayev defeated Jefferson Nascimento of Brazil, Fermán Hasanov beat Erik Nolan of the US, while Nazim Sadykhov lost to Matheus Camilo of Brazil.

Rafael Fiziev triumphed over Manuel Torres in the main event.