A bout between two ranked UFC lightweights is targeted to headline the February 19 Fight Night as former champion Rafael dos Anjos is expected to face rising contender Rafael Fiziev.
February 19 is expected to see a pair of Rafaels battle for supremacy as a fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev are being targeted for the UFC Fight Night headliner. Full Violence was first to report the news.
Former champion Rafael dos Anjos (30-13) struggled to return to the cage in 2021 after dealing with injuries, most notably cancelling a third booking with surging contender Islam Makhachev after extensive back-and-forth exchanges on social media. Dos Anjos is currently ranked sixth in the UFC’s lightweight rankings and is coming off a decision victory over the recently retired Paul Felder in 2020.
Rafael Fiziev (11-1) is looking to take a leap into the upper echelon of the division and making his own run at the title in what will be his most high profile matchup. After suffering his first professional loss in his UFC debut in 2019, Fiziev has since reeled off an impressive five fight win-streak to become one of the promotion’s rising stars. “Ataman” enjoyed a successful 2021 after recording a memorable decision against Bobby Green and a wheel kick knockout of Brad Riddell to close out the year.
There is no word yet on where the event will be held, though the UFC Apex in Las Vegas is expected as the promotion appears not to be traveling for Fight Night events until March.
