Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres Next Steps

One kick changed the temperature around Rafael Fiziev.

Before UFC Baku, the lightweight conversation around him had turned uncomfortable. Fiziev was no longer being discussed only as a slick striker with top-end potential; he was being measured against a bad run, a recent TKO defeat to Mauricio Ruffy, and the possibility that the division had started to move past him. Manuel Torres represented exactly the wrong kind of opponent for that moment: aggressive, confident, and riding two wins into his first UFC main event.

Baku gave Fiziev the response he needed. Torres had moments early, but Fiziev found the decisive opening in the second round, connected with a spinning wheel kick, and finished the sequence with follow-up punches. That does not erase every concern, but it does keep him inside the ranked lightweight picture with a far stronger case for a meaningful next booking.

Rafael Fiziev next fight after UFC Baku knockout

The UFC should not pretend Fiziev is suddenly one win from a title eliminator. Lightweight is too crowded and too unforgiving for that kind of shortcut. Still, the win matters because it stopped the slide before Fiziev became a name younger contenders target for credibility. A ranked fighter on a losing streak can become useful to matchmakers in the wrong way; a ranked fighter coming off a clean knockout is a different asset entirely.

The most sensible call is Mateusz Gamrot again. Their 2023 meeting ended in the second round after Fiziev hurt his knee, leaving no clean competitive read on a matchup that still has value. Gamrot’s wrestling pressure, pace and control game would test the parts of Fiziev that remain most important if he wants to climb back toward the top ten. Fiziev’s striking, timing and power would force Gamrot to navigate real danger across five rounds.

Why the Gamrot rematch fits the lightweight map

Fiziev versus Gamrot works because it answers an old question while creating a fresh one. If Fiziev beats a grappler of that level, the Ruffy loss starts to look more like a damaging chapter than a permanent ceiling. If Gamrot wins, he gets closure on a previous fight that ended awkwardly and can push for a bigger ranked opponent. It is also the kind of Fight Night main event that does not need artificial drama; the styles and the unfinished history do enough.

• Fiziev knocked out Manuel Torres in round two at UFC Baku.
• The finish came from a spinning wheel kick followed by punches.
• Fiziev had lost to Mauricio Ruffy by TKO before this bout.
• Torres entered Baku on a two-fight winning streak and held the No. 15 spot.

Manuel Torres needs a rebound fight with real danger

Torres should not be treated as exposed beyond repair. He showed enough in the first round to remind everyone why the UFC trusted him with this spot, and his offensive temperament still makes him a problem for plenty of lightweights. The issue is that Baku also showed the cost of giving a dynamic striker one read too many. Against Fiziev, pressure alone was not enough to keep him safe.

The better move is not another ranked opponent right away. Torres needs a fight that keeps him visible, keeps the violence quotient high, and tells the matchmakers whether he can tighten the defensive gaps that showed up in Azerbaijan. The winner of Terrance McKinney versus King Green at UFC 329 is the right lane. McKinney brings early chaos and finishing danger; Green brings experience, boxing rhythm and veteran gamesmanship. Either option would give Torres a relevant action fight without forcing him straight back into the same level of ranked risk.

Fiziev left Baku with his contender status repaired, not fully restored, while Torres left with a harder assignment than simply accepting the loss: rebuild against a dangerous opponent after being stopped in the second round at UFC Baku.