Rafael Fiziev and Brad Riddell delivered the fight fans were expecting at UFC Vegas 44, throwing down until a highlight-reel knockout in the third round.
In a fight that absolutely screamed banger, lightweights Brad Riddell and Rafael Fiziev put their friendship aside in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 44. Riddell entered the night undefeated in his UFC career, and was coming off a Fight of the Night win against Drew Dober. Fiziev had won four straight since losing his octagon debut, and had earned post-fight bonuses in his last three outings.
In short, anticipation was high for this one.
Riddell started the fight with a leg kick that was answered with one from Fiziev. Fiziev then swung a head kick and a spinning head kick in one fluid motion but both strikes came up short. Riddell fired a combination then ate a hard body kick. A fiery exchange took place, followed by another with both men connection. Riddell moved forward with a strong combination. Riddell tried a two-punch combination, connecting with a body jab and missing with the big right hook. Right hands landed for both fighters as Fiziev controlled the center of the Octagon. A low kick connected for Riddell followed by a hard right hand on the button to close the round.
Riddell started the second round with a solid leg kick. Hooks landed for both fighters and Fiziev briefly clinched up then went back to firing shots. A hard right hand connected for Fiziev and one landed big for Riddell as well. Another exchange took place with right hands landing simultaneously. Riddell went in with a right hand and followed it with a takedown attempt but it went nowhere. Clinch exchanges were becoming a bit more frequent as their strikes were coming from close-quarters.
These quick combos have been happening all fight! #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/y1NYOkxxtJ
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
Riddell changed things up to start the final round, earning a takedown off a kick. Fiziev bounced back up quickly, nearly giving up his back in the process. Riddell was able land a big shot on the feet. Then, out of nowhere, Fiziev nailed Riddell with a wheel kick and Riddell was out on his feet. Fiziev left no doubt in what was an incredibly close fight.
WHEEL KICK!!!!! @RafaelFiziev landed it on the button 🎯 #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/5Oo8IERQ1m
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
Rafael Fiziev def. Brad Riddell by TKO (Wheel Kick) in Round 3 (2:40)
