The UFC lightweight championship is presently up for grabs, so everyone’s attention is focused on which two fighters—one of them is most likely Charles Oliveira—will have the opportunity to compete for the title.
But even for those who aren’t chosen, like Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev, this is an opportunity to stand out and advance faster toward a title shot.
The main event of UFC Vegas 58 will feature a fight between Dos Anjos and Fiziev, who are rated No. 7 and No. 10, respectively, in the UFC’s lightweight division.
Dos Anjos comes into this fight fresh off decision victories over Renato Moicano at UFC 272 in March and Paul Felder in November 2020, his first two fights since returning to lightweight.
Dos Anjos won the UFC lightweight championship in 2015 after defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 185. He then beat Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and kept his title before giving it to Eddie Alvarez.
Since losing his UFC debut, Fiziev, who is currently 11-1 in MMA, has won five consecutive matches. In his previous four fights in a row, he has won post-fight bonuses, including Fights of the Night victories over Marc Diakiese and Bobby Green, as well as Performances of the Night victories against Moicano and Brad Riddell.
Due to Fiziev’s visa complications, Dos Anjos and Fiziev’s fight, which was initially slated to take place at UFC Vegas 48 in February, was postponed to UFC 272. Fiziev ultimately withdrew nevertheless after discovering she had COVID-19. Read More
