Rafael Fiziev explains why ‘Wild Chanco’ would be an exciting UFC opponent

Rafael Fiziev is open to fighting Magomed "Wild Chanco" Zaynukov and believes the matchup would be a striking showcase worthy of the octagon. Zaynukov, an undefeated prospect (8-0) and teammate of Islam Makhachev, earned his UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series last year. The two fighters share a muay thai background, a detail Fiziev highlighted when discussing a potential meeting. "I know him from my muay thai days; he is a very good fighter," Fiziev told Red Corner MMA. "I even remember his amateur fights. We fought at the same world championships in Sweden. He's really good; he became champion back then. Of course, he is Islam's friend, his teammate, his brother. Of course, Islam tries to promote him so he could fight the likes of me. If they ever offer me that fight, I'm sure it would be spectacular. Two muay thai fighters in an MMA fight... This would be super cool." Fiziev (14-5) recently earned a spinning back kick knockout victory over Manuel Torres at home in Baku, Azerbaijan. Zaynukov is set to make his UFC debut against fellow undefeated prospect Damian Rzepecki (10-0) at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. Fiziev has also reportedly helped prepare teammate Shakhmar Sadygov for previous competition, highlighting the interconnected gym culture among rising lightweights.