Rafael Fiziev had a nightmare in his UFC debut in 2019 after getting slept in the first round against Magomed Mustafaev. However, the Azerbaijani lightweight didn’t let that loss affect him as he quickly bounced back in the UFC. He has picked up five straight wins and is currently #10 in the 155-pound division.
Ataman is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster and has a tremendous amount of experience under his bag. Owing to his stellar record of 39-8 in kickboxing. So far Fiziev has impressed fans with his excellent striking abilities and aggressive fighting style.
Consequently, the 29-year-old lightweight is highly touted to become a big star in the future. Rafael Fiziev is now set to face his toughest challenge inside the octagon as he squares off against former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos in a five-round bout in the main event of UFC Vegas 58.
This is undoubtedly Fiziev’s biggest matchup and a win would help him leapfrog into the top #7 of the lightweight division. However, let’s shift the topic from his upcoming bout and take a look at his career earnings in the UFC.
Biggest UFC Fight Purses of Rafael Fiziev
Rafael Fiziev made his UFC debut in 2019 against Magomed Mustafaev at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Oleneik. Unfortunately, his debut didn’t go exactly as he wished for as Magomed landed a beautiful spinning kick in the first round and dropped Ataman in the first round. For his UFC debut, Rafael earned $13,500 ($10,000 to show, $3,500 fight week incentive pay).
In October 2019, the Azerbaijani lightweight made his return inside the UFC octagon against Alex White. He bounced back brilliantly from his debut loss as he significantly outstriked his opponent throughout the three rounds and recorded his first UFC win. Rafael Fiziev received a total of $23,500 for this victory.
Rafael Fiziev wins his first UFC Fight of the Night bonus
Thereafter Fiziev made his first UFC main card appearance as he squared off against Marc Diakiese in July 2020. Both Ataman and Bonecrusher put on a great show and won the fight of the night bonus for their brilliant performances.
After three rounds of intense action, it was Rafael Fiziev who came out on top as he won the bout via unanimous decision. Ataman took home a total of $77,500 for his brilliant win which includes ($12,000 to show, $12,000 win bonus, $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus, $3,500 fight week incentive pay)
Rafael Fiziev carried on with his winning momentum and knocked out Renato Moicano to extend his winning streak to three. The 29-year-old lightweight reportedly earned $44,000 ($20,000 to show, $20,000 win bonus, $4,000 fight week incentive pay).
Rafael Fiziev edges past Bobby Green in a three round war and receives the Fight of the Night bonus
Ataman made his return after a lengthy gap of eight months at UFC 265 against veteran Bobby Green. This matchup stole the entire show of the PPV as these two lightweights went on an all-out war throughout the three rounds.
Despite getting outstriked, Rafael was the one who dished out more damage in comparison to Bobby Green. Therefore he ended up winning this fight via unanimous decision. Fiziev earned $50,000 as the fight of the night bonus and a total of $126,500 including win bonus and sponsorship payouts.
Rafael Fiziev wins a performance bonus after knocking out Brad Riddell
After going on a rampant four-fight winning streak, Rafael Fiziev went toe to toe against Brad Riddell who was undefeated with four wins to his name in the UFC. This was anticipated as his toughest matchup and it looked like this fight was heading towards a close finish before the beginning of the third round.
Owing to the fact that both lightweights won one round each. However, Fiziev had other plans as he landed a stunning wheel kick to shut the lights out of Riddell in the third round to extend his streak to five wins. For his remarkable victory, Fiziev earned a performance bonus and took home a total of $135,000.
It is to be noted that all the above-mentioned amounts are an estimate because the UFC does not officially release the payouts of every single event.
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