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UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev recently opened up about his past as a police officer and how he transitioned into the world of MMA.
Ahead of his upcoming fight at UFC 286, 'Ataman' sat down for an interview with Adam Catterall for BT Sport. During the interaction, Fiziev shared details about his life in the Kyrgyzstani police academy and how he decided to leave the job to become an MMA fighter:
"So, when I'm learning in police academy, I still fight. I still train... Still watching UFC... And when I finish this, I have some trouble in police, you know, because police in Kyrgyzstan, it's not justice. You don't know how your career [is] going. Couple of my friends, with who I was very close in police academy, [they're] sitting in jail now because the country rules, it's [a bit] different, not like here. That's why I make the decision, going to Thailand and [watch] if [in the] next five years, I have something open for UFC, [I'm going]. But if not, I come back... and start to work in the police."
Fiziev also said that his father, who was also a police officer, advised him to pursue a career in MMA.
Check out Fiziev's comments from the 4:45 mark below:
Rafael Fiziev will take on Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 286. 'Ataman' is currently on a six-fight win streak in the UFC. With a victory at UFC 286, the 30-year-old could make an argument for a title shot in his next fight.
Rafael Fiziev weighs in on Beneil Dariush possibly being the next title challenger
Rafael Fiziev has no problem with Beneil Dairush fighting for lighweight gold next instead of him.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, 'Ataman' stated that although an impressive victory over Justin Gaethje would make him worthy of a title shot, he believes Beneil Dariush should for the belt next if he manages to beat Charles Oliveira:
"Dariush deserves it 150 percent. And if he wins that, I don’t want to stay on his road, because he really deserves it. I can wait. If they give me a fight after Justin, if I make a good fight, if they give me the title shot, I’m happy. If they give it to another guy, I’m also happy because I’m still in a good position.”
Check out Rafael Fiziev's comments from the 10:24 mark below:
Dariush will go toe-to-toe against Charles Oliveira at UFC 288. The 33-year-old is currently on an eight-fight win streak. A victory over 'Do Bronx' could solidify his claim for a title shot.
