Rafael Dos Anjos vs Rafael Fiziev — Fight recap

Rafael Fiziev defeated Rafael Dos Anjos by KO/TKO in the fifth round at 0:18 on July 9, 2022, with referee Mark Smith officiating. Dos Anjos landed 54 of 110 significant strikes (49%) and secured two takedowns from 16 attempts, but couldn't sustain momentum as Fiziev pressed forward with 64 of 159 significant strikes and a crucial knockdown.

Control time favored Dos Anjos at 6:13 to 2:59, indicating he had moments of dominance, yet Fiziev's superior output—particularly 27 body strikes from 52 attempts—set up the late finish. The Brazilian's wrestling proved ineffective, converting just 12% of takedown attempts, while Fiziev's patient striking and physical pressure accumulated damage until the decisive fifth-round stoppage.

The loss marked a significant setback for the former lightweight champion and suggested Fiziev had arrived as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division.