Rafael Fiziev expects to thrive in his pay-per-view debut at UFC 256.
Fiziev (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) fights on the main card of a numbered event on Saturday when he meets Renato Moicano (14-3-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a lightweight bout at UFC Apex in Las Vegas that airs following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
It’s an opportunity to elevate his name in the big way after getting solid wins in his past two octagon appearances. Fiziev admits he’s feeling the weight of the moment, but thinks that’s going to transform into something positive on fight night.
“Of course there’s some pressure, but there’s nice pressure,” Fiziev told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC 256 virtual media day on Thursday. “It makes me (have) more energy, it gives me more motivation for this card. But, I just want to fight. Pay-per-view, no pay-per-view. It doesn’t matter.”
Moicano is a name who spent the majority of his UFC career at featherweight. He just recently jumped up a division to 155 pounds and had a successful debut. The Brazilian has a lot more high-level experience in MMA, but Fiziev is confident he can tackle the challenge.
“I think he likes fighting in the stand up, but he’s a good grappler,” Fiziev said. “For me this is basic. I think he for sure (will) try to take me down. I think for me, it’s nice if we fight on the feet.”