Fiziev calls spinning-back-kick KO of Torres 'very lucky' after Baku main event

Rafael Fiziev stopped Manuel Torres by KO/TKO 15 seconds into the second round of the UFC Fight Night main event in Baku. Afterward, Fiziev called the fight-ending spinning back kick 'very lucky,' saying a clean Torres jab to his left eye had blinded him just before he threw it. The win moves Fiziev to 14-5 and rebuilds momentum in a crowded lightweight division.

Rafael Fiziev headlined UFC Fight Night in Baku with a second-round knockout of Manuel Torres, then offered a strikingly candid read on the finish: he never saw it coming either. Fighting in front of a home-region crowd at the National Gymnastics Arena, Fiziev ended the bout 15 seconds into the second round and called the result 'very lucky.'

What happened

Fiziev stopped Torres by KO/TKO early in the second round, closing the show with a spinning back kick. According to Fiziev, Torres had landed a clean jab on his left eye moments earlier, and he could not see when he launched the strike that produced the finish. The admission turned a highlight-reel ending into one of the night's more honest post-fight moments.

Why it matters

The victory is a marquee result for Fiziev and pushes his record to 14-5. A finishing performance in a lightweight main event strengthens his standing in a crowded 155-pound division. Just as important, it rebuilds momentum after a difficult stretch and returns him to the win column at the right time.

By the numbers

Fiziev improves to 14-5-0 with the stoppage, which came at 0:15 of round two. The win came on a card where finishes dominated, including first-round KO and submission results across the lightweight, middleweight and light heavyweight bouts.

What to watch next

The next question is how the UFC books Fiziev and whether a ranked lightweight steps up to face him. His return to the win column opens the door to matchmaking that could quickly move him back up the division.