The noted UFC Lightweight, Rafael Fiziev, had made a name for himself with his superb all-around striking potential. The 30-year-old defeated his UFC on ESPN 31 opponent, Brad Riddell, with a superb spinning wheel kick to his head which shut his lights off. Fiziev also scored a victory over the coveted Lightweight, Rafael dos Anjos, in his last outing at UFC on ESPN 39. But this time, he trusted his hands more and delivered a KO with his punches. The Muay Thai background of ‘Ataman’ may be credited a lot for his insane striking skills.
Fiziev is currently one of the most noted Lightweights in UFC and also boasts an extraordinary 12-1 record. A lot of other fighters would have proudly carried the flag of their country in such situations. But, a lot of fans aren’t really aware of his personal life, including his religion. Also, fans have further wondered why Fiziev has never been spotted carrying the Kyrgyzstani flag in the UFC. A lot of other fighters would have proudly carried the flag of their country once they achieve fame like ‘Ataman’. But, here we shall know why that is not the case with him.
Rafael Fiziev’s religion – Is he Muslim?
This is also a question that a lot of fans have come up with multiple times. And to answer them specifically, yes, Fiziev is indeed a Muslim. He belongs to the ‘Shia’ sect of Muslims who constitute about 10-15% of the entire Muslim population of this world.
While the founder of all Islam is clearly Muhammad, Shia Muslims follow Ali ibn Abi Talib as the founder, Caliph, and first Imam of the Shia Islamic sect.
Ethnicity & nationality of Rafael Fiziev
‘Ataman’ was born to an Azerbaijani father, while his mother was a Russian. Hence, most fans may call him an Azerbaijani, depending upon his father’s nationality, while fans calling him Russian won’t be entirely wrong as well. But, things might get a bit confusing after knowing that he was born in the country of Kazakhstan in Korday. Further, Fiziev also moved to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at a very tender age.
He has also attended the police academy of Kyrgyzstan and competed in Muay Thai world championships representing Kyrgyzstan. A lot of fans would get it sorted from here that Fiziev carries an Azerbaijani-Russian mixed ethnicity and a Kyrgyzstani nationality. But there are more chapters in this story about his nationality.
Why does Rafael Fiziev not have a flag?
As already mentioned, things were not like this always. Fiziev used to carry the Kyrgyzstani flag just like other national athletes. But in 2021, ‘Ataman’ mentioned in a now-deleted Instagram post that he won’t be representing Kyrgyzstan on any platform anymore.
Although Fiziev didn’t describe the entire story. But reportedly, this decision from him was triggered by the words of the former chief mufti of Kyrgyzstan, Maksatbek Toktomushev about him. ‘Ataman’ had put up an Instagram video of his visit to the Shiite mosque of Imam Ali in Iraq. He also captioned his post, “There are no words to describe this. What a great spirit is here, what great energy”. He ended his caption with, “I advise everyone to come here and experience this incredible feeling”.
However, the Sunni mufti, Toktomushev, didn’t take Fiziev’s post too well. He stated, “This athlete is the pride of Kyrgyzstan. In my opinion, he may simply express his feelings, but he should not become confused. Sport is one matter, ideology another, faith a third”
He also stated, “incorrect to urge such a thing”. Evidently, he was talking about Fiziev‘s advice at the end of his caption.
Toktomushev continued, “I hope that our athlete will understand everything correctly and will stop [encouraging people to visit the mosque.] He needs to stop”. This might not be the only instance where the freedom of expression of ‘Ataman’ was curbed inside the Sunni Muslim-dominated Kyrgyzstan. There have been multiple reports of how Shia Muslims are victimized in a number of Sunni Muslim-dominated countries of the world, including Kyrgyzstan.
It’s understandable that there must have been a lot behind a national-level athlete deciding to give up the same national identity.
Rafael Fiziev’s next fight at UFC 286
‘Ataman’ is all set to take on his noted division-mate Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 286. Coming up with a victory won’t be a cakewalk for the ’30-year-old’ looking at the class of his opponent.
Most UFC fans are well aware of ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje‘s remarkable striking prowess. Even the UFC president, Dana White, once remarked, “Gaethje hits like a truck,”. He is also regarded as one of the division’s all-time fiercest leg-kickers.
Watch this Story – Kamaru Usman Vs Leon Edwards and Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev finalized for UFC 286
But, Fiziev also possesses a striking game that probably is unmatched. His Muay Thai background enables him to land a lot of quick strikes. If Gaethje is considered the most brutal leg-kicker, then Fiziev also has the capability to land high kicks out of nowhere. All in all, the fans will be in for another enthraller on 18 March.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pr%2FSnqWtoZGhubq%2Fz6ipratemLyue9SfmmalnZZ6r7HWrGSwoJGpeqq%2FjKuYn5mVoXqntdminK%2BrXaeyrbXGoqanZZmoeraywmajop%2BYqcSmtcahq2arpJa%2Fbq2MpqyspJmieqe1xqGrnqpf