Fiziev vs Ruffy Prediction
💪 The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, will host the second numbered event of 2026 - UFC 325. This event will feature a lightweight bout between Rafael Fiziev and Mauricio Ruffi. "Ataman" aims to defend his spot in the division's top 10. It's worth noting that bookmakers have labeled him as the favorite. But will the Azerbaijani fighter live up to this status? Read the prediction for the upcoming fight below.
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Rafael Fiziev Player Overview
The 32-year-old Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev (14-4) has navigated a challenging path in the UFC lightweight elite. After a rocky start in the league back in 2019, "Ataman" put together an impressive six-fight winning streak. However, since 2023, his career has faced significant hurdles. The setbacks began with a loss to Justin Gaethje and were compounded by a severe knee injury in his bout against Mateusz Gamrot. A subsequent defeat to Gaethje in March 2025 extended his losing streak to three. Nonetheless, Fiziev made a triumphant return to the octagon last June at an event in Baku, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ignacio Bahamondes.
Match Results: Rafael Fiziev
Mauricio Ruffy Player Overview
Brazilian fighter Mauricio Ruffi (12-2), at 29 years old, is regarded as one of the standout members of the Fighting Nerds team. His UFC career has progressed rapidly: debuting in May 2024, he has already fought four times in just a year and a half. Mauricio made a lasting impression on fans with a spectacular knockout against King Green, delivered with a spinning kick, and a convincing victory over James Llontop. However, Ruffi's winning streak was halted last September by Benoit Saint-Denis, who managed to catch the Brazilian in a submission hold in the second round.
Match Results: Mauricio Ruffy
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Both fighters are primarily strikers, spending over 75 percent of their time on their feet during a round. Therefore, we can expect a stand-up battle. We favor Fiziev in this matchup, as he boasts an excellent foundation in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Rafael offers more variety in his attacks, delivers more powerful strikes, and possesses greater experience. We believe "Ataman" should live up to his favorite status.
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