Former rival reveals he celebrated Justin Gaethje's victory against Ilia Topuria at the White House: 'I screamed like a child'

Gaethje promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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A few days after knocking out Manuel Torres in the main fight of UFC Baku, held last Saturday (27), in Azerbaijan, Raphael Fiziev He commented on one of the most talked-about topics in MMA in recent weeks: the conquest of the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) belt by Justin gaethjeDespite having shared the octagon with the American on two occasions, the athlete revealed that he cheered for his former rival against... Ilia Topuria No. UFC White House.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel, the Azerbaijani explained that, before the fight, he was worried about the risks Gaethje faced against the then-undefeated champion. According to Fiziev, Topuria's firepower and aggressive style made him believe the outcome could be negative for the veteran. However, his perception changed during the fight.

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“I didn’t want this fight. I thought maybe Ilia could do some damage to him, so I didn’t want it. But, at the end of the second round, I started screaming like a child. I’m very happy for him. That’s why we love him. He’s doing well now because he’s adapting,” declared the lightweight.

The statement is particularly noteworthy given the history between the two. Fiziev faced Gaethje for the first time in March 2023 and was ultimately defeated by majority decision in one of the most exciting fights of that season. Two years later, in March 2025, he agreed to replace him. Dan Hooker At the last minute, he faced the American again, but suffered another setback, this time by unanimous decision of the judges.

Even without managing to defeat the American inside the octagon, the Azerbaijani showed respect for his former opponent and celebrated winning the belt. At the same time, his statements reinforced his admiration for a rival with whom he had two memorable battles in the UFC.

The Azerbaijani triumph over Manuel TorresIn front of the home crowd, he ended his losing streak and reinstated himself among the top names in the lightweight division.

FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Rafael Fiziev's spectacular knockout at UFC Baku

HOME TOWN HERO 🤩@RafaelFiziev earns the THUNDEROUS TKO victory!

[ #UFCBaku | @ParamountMore ] pic.twitter.com/6SUx2MGBXY

- UFC (@ufc) June 27, 2026

Next Target: Charles from the Bronx

Charles of the Bronx with the 'BMF' belt after UFC 326. Photo: Reproduction/X

Emboldened by the triumph over Manuel Torres, Raphael Fiziev she started dreaming again about a prominent position in the lightweight division and, just last Saturday, challenged Charles of the Bronx for a possible BMF title fight in his next appearance.

The provocation reinforces Fiziev's intention to face the elite of the division again. After returning to winning ways with a dominant performance in front of the home crowd in Baku, the lightweight is looking for a high-level matchup to accelerate his climb back to the top of the rankings.