What happened: Rafael Fiziev opened up in candid fashion about his journey, saying that if he could speak to his 12-year-old self about what awaited him at 33, he would be overjoyed. He admitted his younger self would never have believed it, describing himself as someone who never believed in himself.
Why it matters: The reflection lands just as Fiziev delivered one of the biggest moments of his career, a second-round knockout victory in the UFC Baku main event that pushed his record to 14-5. Coming on home soil, the win gave weight to the kind of self-belief he says once eluded him.
By the numbers: Fiziev improved to 14-5 with the second-round KO/TKO finish in the lightweight main event at National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.
What to watch: Attention turns to where Fiziev lands in a crowded lightweight division after the statement finish, and whether the result earns him a step up in competition.