Despite 29–0 Record, Khabib Nurmagomedov Was Once Criticized by Rafael Fiziev for This Reason: “I’m a Striker and…”

The UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. This is mainly because the Dagestani have never tasted defeat in a sport of blood with a professional record of 29-0. However, ‘The Eagle’ still has his share of critics. While some argue that he retired prematurely, others, surprisingly, aren’t fans of his fighting style. That being said, Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev revealed in a 2021 interview with James Lynch that he wasn’t a fan of Nurmagomedov’s fighting style either.

Rafael ‘Ataman’ Fiziev stands out as a rising striker in the UFC lightweight division, which is already full of stars. Since making his debut for the promotion in 2019, the Azerbaijani fighter has secured victory in six out of his eight fights, out of which four were TKO. This contrasts sharply with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting style.

Rafael Fiziev once criticized Khabib Nurmagomedov for his fighting style

The UFC lightweight Fiziev once sat down for an interview with James Lynch on August 2021, to promote his fight against Bobby Green. During the interview, ‘Ataman’ not only mentioned Nurmagomedov but his close friend Islam Makhachev as well.

The Azerbaijani also touched upon how Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have a similar fighting style. Moreover, he also claimed that their bouts are quite boring to watch. He said:

“I was never his (Khabib’s) fan because we have different styles. We have big different styles. I’m a striker and he’s a wrestler. In wrestling, he’s very hard and you can win against everyone with his wrestling that Khabib has, but I don’t like this style. I don’t like fights like when Islam Makhachev fought with Drew Dober.“

‘Ataman’ is right about the difference in their fighting style. While Khabib is known for his grappling and submissive skills, Fiziev is famous for explosive strikes. However, Nurmagomedov has shown in the past that he is good in the striking contests as well.

While Fiziev was critical of Nurmagomedov’s fighting style on one hand, ‘The Eagle’ once extended his support towards the Azerbaijani fighter before one of the most pivotal bouts of his career.

Nurmagomedov once backed Fiziev

Fiziev was set to face a resurgent Justin Gaethje at UFC 286, and many doubted his chances against the clinical Gaethje. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov stood firmly in support of Fiziev, believing he could overcome the former interim lightweight champion.

The Dagestani has already fought Gaethje, thus he has a different perspective when compared with other experts. The former UFC lightweight champion believed that Fiziev had a slight edge over the American lightweight. He said:

“Right now, I think Fiziev Would Win, 51/49 or 60/40 Call It What You Want. But I Think Fiziev Has the Edge.“

Despite the support of ‘The Eagle’, Fiziev lost the fight via a majority decision after three rounds. But he will look to bounce back with a win in his next fight against the Polish Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Fight Night 228 on 23rd September.

Fiziev, currently ranked 6th in the UFC lightweight division, has a chance to break into the top 5 with a victory over ‘Gamer.’ However, even if he breaks into the top 5, it remains unclear if ‘Ataman’ can go on to win the lightweight title which was once held by Nurmagomedov.