Top 10 lightweights Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot go head-to-head this weekend at UFC Vegas 79. In this article, we take a look at how Fiziev stacks up against his opponent and what he can do to get back into the title picture.
UFC Vegas 79: How Fiziev Can Win
Fiziev returns to the octagon for the first time this weekend since his loss to Justin Gaethje in March. In that fight, ‘Ataman’ started well and took the first round. He landed kicks to the body of Gaethje throughout and clubbed his opponent with fast punching combinations in the pocket. Unfortunately for Fiziev, Gaethje adjusted his game plan and went on to win the fight after some great work with the jab and uppercut.
Fiziev is a well-respected striker with a Muay Thai background and he will want to keep the fight with Gamrot on the feet for as long as he can. Gamrot is a dangerous grappler who will likely look to take the fight to the ground. It is a fascinating matchup, especially when you take into account Fiziev’s takedown defence – it currently stands at 90%. If Fiziev can avoid the takedowns and catch Gamrot coming in with his front kicks, body kicks and hooks, he will have a good chance of out-striking his opponent.
The Kicks of Fiziev
The Azerbaijani striker enjoys pressuring his opponents and backing them up by disguising his kicks well. You never know what’s coming next from Fiziev because he doesn’t telegraph said kicks. He prefers to throw front kicks or teeps with his rear leg, and he will mix up his roundhouse attacks to the body with both legs. Furthermore, his switch kick is extremely fast and he is able to do all this in either stance.
Combining Kicks and Punches
Fiziev is able to cover distance well by faking kicks and knees. He will often get into range using his kicks and stance switching and follow up with punches. In the finishing sequence against Rafael dos Anjos, he was able to bring his rear leg up and get dos Anjos to prepare for a kick. As Fiziev stepped through into southpaw, he threw a right hand and a left hook that dropped his opponent. Consequently, Fiziev was able to finish the fight with some ground and pound.
Conclusion: Fiziev vs Gamrot at UFC Vegas 79
Fiziev usually has the edge when it comes to speed and power. This will be no different in the fight with Gamrot. Fiziev may look to exploit the fact that Gamrot likes to try and catch strikes and lock up his opponent to secure the takedown. This will likely leave openings for Fiziev to take advantage of give him the opportunity to counter.
This fight is an exciting clash of styles that could come down to who has the better cardiovascular fitness. Fiziev has proved he can go five rounds and even get a late finish, but Gamrot has more experience in this area.
The fight promises to be an enthralling encounter, and the winner will put themselves right back into the thick of things at the top of the lightweight division.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
