MMA Match Preview: Rafael Fiziev (13-4) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (12-2)
The lightweight division delivers a striker’s delight in the main card of UFC 325 as #9-ranked Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (13-4-0) takes on #14-ranked Mauricio “One Shot” Ruffy (12-2-0) in a 3-round bout. Fiziev, the Azerbaijani Muay Thai specialist fighting out of Phuket, Thailand, looks to rebound from a mixed 2025 and solidify his top-10 status with his elite striking and takedown defense. Ruffy, the Brazilian knockout artist, aims to build on his UFC tenure after a submission loss and prove he belongs among the elite with his power and aggression. This matchup promises fireworks, potentially ending in a highlight-reel knockout if Ruffy lands flush or a technical decision if Fiziev’s precision and wrestling control the pace in what could be a pivotal fight for both in the 155-pound rankings.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This 21,000-capacity multi-purpose arena is a staple for UFC events in the region, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate crowds, especially during Australian cards.
Ring walks are scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT / 9:00 AM AEDT local time on February 1). Prelims follow at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM AEDT), and the main card at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM AEDT on February 1). As a main card bout, cage walks for Fiziev vs. Ruffy are expected around 9:30-10:00 PM ET (6:30-7:00 PM PT / 1:30-2:00 PM AEDT on February 1). The event streams live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No active injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into UFC 325. Fiziev withdrew from a scheduled bout against Charles Oliveira in October 2025 due to an undisclosed injury, but he has since recovered fully and completed camp without issues. Ruffy has no recent injury history and enters in peak condition after training with Alexander Volkanovski.
Fighter Matchups
This lightweight bout contrasts Fiziev’s elite Muay Thai technique and wrestling with Ruffy’s explosive power and aggression, creating a high-level clash at 155 pounds.
Rafael Fiziev (age 32, 5’8″, 71.5″ reach, switch stance): A dynamic striker with elite Muay Thai skills, Fiziev excels in mid-range exchanges, using sharp combinations, low kicks, and counters. His style incorporates strong takedown defense (90%) and occasional wrestling to mix levels. Weaknesses include occasional overcommitment leading to counters, as seen in losses to Justin Gaethje and Mateusz Gamrot.
Mauricio Ruffy (age 29, 5’11”, 75″ reach, orthodox): An explosive puncher with devastating hooks and body work, Ruffy thrives in aggressive exchanges and has solid takedown defense (84%). His style suits closing distance for knockouts, but he can be vulnerable to technical strikers if outmaneuvered. Weaknesses include grappling gaps, as exposed in his submission loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.
Key Stylistic Clash: Fiziev’s technical Muay Thai and counters vs. Ruffy’s aggressive power punching. Fiziev must use low kicks and movement to control range; Ruffy needs to close distance for hooks and body shots.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Fiziev’s experience (#9 ranking) and versatility favor him in a technical fight; Ruffy’s youth and power (#14 ranking) offer knockout potential if he lands flush.
X-Factor: Fiziev’s recent recovery from injury—if sharp, his technique dominates; if Ruffy exploits any rust, his power could end it early.
Recent Form
Fiziev rebounds from a mixed run with a win, while Ruffy looks to recover from a submission
loss.Rafael Fiziev (Last 5: W L L L W):
June 2025: Unanimous decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes.
Prior: Losses to Gaethje, Gamrot, and Makhachev.
Form Notes: 2 wins in last 5; strong striking but chin concerns post-injuries.
Mauricio Ruffy (Last 5: L W W W W):
2025: Rear-naked choke loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.
Prior: 4 straight wins with 3 KOs.
Form Notes: 4 wins in last 5; explosive but grappling exposed.
| Fighter | Last 5 Record | KO % (Career) | Avg. Rounds Last 5 | Key Stat |
| Rafael Fiziev | W L L L W | 31% | 4.0 | Elite Muay Thai |
| Mauricio Ruffy | L W W W W | 50% | 3.5 | Explosive power |
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Fiziev and Ruffy, with no prior head-to-head encounters or shared opponents. Fiziev’s path includes wins over RDA and Moicano, while Ruffy’s UFC run features KOs but a submission loss to Saint-Denis.
FIGHT ODDS
Rafael Fiziev – 180
Mauricio Ruffy + 145
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2026
