UFC 325: Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy Preview & Prediction
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A strikers delight on the main card as Azerbaijan’s Rafael Fiziev clashes with Brazil’s Mauricio Ruffy in lightweight showcase.
Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy facts
What time are Rafael Fiziev and Mauricio Ruffy expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 325? Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
Where can I get tickets for UFC 325? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 325
What TV channel is UFC 325 on? UK – TNT Sports Box Office / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC 325? UK – TNT Sports subscribers who have paid for the fight can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 main card
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes (Featherweight)
Dan Hooker vs Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight)
Tai Tuivasa vs Tallison Teixeira (Heavyweight)
Quillan Salkilld vs Jamie Mullarkey (Lightweight)
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 prelims
Junior Tafa vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Cameron Rowston vs Cody Brundage (Middleweight)
Jacob Malkoun vs Torrez Finney (Middleweight)
Jonathan Micallef vs Oban Elliott (Welterweight)
Kaan Ofli vs Yi Zha (Featherweight)
Kim Sang-wook vs Dom Mar Fan (Lightweight)
Keiichiro Nakamura vs Sebastian Szalay (Featherweight)
Sulang Rangbo vs Lawrence Lui (Bantamweight)
Rafael Fiziev: Proven technician tested at the highest level
Rafael Fiziev enters this bout with a professional record of (13-4-0) and remains one of the most technically refined strikers in the lightweight division. The 32-year-old Azerbaijani, who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, has built his reputation on elite Muay Thai fundamentals, devastating leg kicks, sharp counter combinations, and excellent balance in the pocket. Few lightweights throw with Fiziev’s precision or defensive awareness, particularly in close-range exchanges.
Despite a challenging run at the top end of the division, Fiziev has consistently proven he belongs among the elite. Two decision losses to Justin Gaethje showcased his durability and technical depth, while a setback against Mateusz Gamrot highlighted the limitations of his grappling rather than his striking. Most recently, Fiziev halted a three-fight skid with a composed decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes, a performance that underlined his ability to manage range, pace, and risk against dangerous opposition. When the fight stays on the feet, Fiziev remains one of the division’s most difficult puzzles to solve.
Mauricio Ruffy: Explosive Brazilian finisher with growing momentum
Mauricio Ruffy steps into this contest holding a record of (12-2-0) and representing the new wave of Brazilian talent emerging from the Fighting Nerds camp. At 29 years old, Ruffy combines size, reach, and genuine knockout power, making him a constant threat from the opening bell. His striking is built around long-range attacks, sharp counters, and the ability to end fights suddenly, which has earned him a reputation as one of the more dangerous finishers outside the top ten.
Ruffy’s UFC run began strongly with three straight victories, but his momentum slowed in his most recent outing when he was submitted by Benoît Saint-Denis in the second round. That defeat exposed a potential weakness against high-level grapplers, though it came against one of the most relentless pressure fighters in the division. Importantly for this matchup, Fiziev is not known for imposing grappling-heavy game plans, meaning Ruffy is likely to get the striking exchanges he thrives in. Still, questions remain about how he handles sustained technical pressure over three rounds against a seasoned opponent.
Rafael Fiziev vs Mauricio Ruffy prediction
This fight is likely to be decided by technique, composure, and experience rather than raw power alone. Ruffy’s reach and explosiveness make him dangerous at all times, but Fiziev has spent years sharing the Octagon with the very best lightweights in the world and has proven he can survive and adapt in high-level striking battles. His footwork, leg kicks, and defensive discipline should allow him to neutralise Ruffy’s early aggression and steadily take control of the exchanges.
Over the course of three rounds, Fiziev’s superior shot selection, variety, and fight IQ give him a clear path to outlanding Ruffy while avoiding the kind of reckless exchanges that play into the Brazilian’s strengths. If Fiziev maintains his composure and keeps the fight at his preferred range, his experience should shine through.
Prediction: Rafael Fiziev to win
