UFC CEO Dana White once said, “I sell holy s—- moments for a living.” And throughout his time in the world of combat sports, the UFC boss has seen it all. From electrifying knockouts to lightning-quick submissions, White has witnessed some of the greatest moments to ever take place in the Octagon. But in 2017, a video popped up online that left even White in disbelief.

The star of the clip? No. 11 ranked UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev. But at the time, ‘Ataman’ was still making waves in the muay thai world. The mind-bending display of reflexes has recently resurfaced and right as Fiziev is gearing up for a massive showdown against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313!

According to the caption of the video shared on Instagram by ‘Red Corner MMA’, “In 2017, before @rafael_ataman_fiziev officially joined the UFC, Dana White commented on a viral video featuring Fiziev’s ‘Matrix’ movements. White described it as the “craziest thing he had ever seen” a remark that arguably set the stage for Fiziev’s eventual journey to the Octagon.”

In the footage, Fiziev ducks a head kick—not by slipping or rolling, but by bending his entire body backward, parallel to the ground!

His opponent’s kick whizzes past, missing by mere inches. DanaWhite’s reaction? On a post made on X, White summed it up by simply exclaiming, “This is the craziest sh– I have ever seen!”

The clip showcased more than just showmanship, it was proof of a striking specialist with unorthodox defense and cat-like reflexes. After all, Fiziev’s rise wasn’t just about flash, it was built on cold, hard knockouts.

While his UFC debut ended in a tough loss to Magomed Mustafaev, ‘Ataman’ bounced back by going on a 6-fight tear that saw him claim wins over names like Renato Moicano, Brad Riddell and Rafael Dos Anjos, all via finish.

In fact, in his 2021 clash with Brad Riddell, Fiziev delivered another moment for the highlight reels. After two brutal rounds of battering Riddell, he landed a spinning wheel kick that left his opponent dazed and ended the fight.

‘The Matrix’ move made him famous. His knockouts made him dangerous. Now, at UFC 313, Rafael Fiziev has a chance to put it all together and reestablish himself as a legitimate threat to the lightweight throne. But according to a UFC veteran, there’s only one way this clash ends for both men regardless of who wins the fight!

Dominick Cruz predicts “hospital” visit for Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev after UFC 313  

Dan Hooker’s withdrawal due to a broken hand set the wheels in motion for UFC 313. In a rematch almost two years in the making, Rafael Fiziev has stepped in on short notice to take on Justin Gaethje. Their first fight ended in a split decision win for ‘The Highlight’ but neither man walked away from the cage unscathed. As such, Dominick Cruz believes this time won’t be any different!

The former bantamweight champion recently hung up his gloves but he’s still interested in seeing the mayhem that Gaethje and Fiziev will bring to the Octagon. Speaking to Helen Yee, Cruz recently stated, “It’s a great opportunity for Fiziev and I tip my hat to Gaethje for giving the opportunity.”

Top Stories

UFC 323 Payouts: How Much Will Merab Dvalishvili, Petr Yan, Alexandre Pantoja, and Others Earn?

Payton Talbott’s Black Hole Tattoo and Hannya Ink: What the UFC Star’s Tattoos Mean

Bruce Buffer Under Fire for Ruining UFC 323: Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov Result Announcement

Is Merab Dvalishvili Muslim? Religion, Ethnicity, and Background of UFC Bantamweight Champion

UFC 323 Walkout Songs: List of Entrance Music Used by Merab Dvalishvili, Petr Yan, Alexandre Pantoja, and Others

He pointed out that many fighters refuse rematches, unwilling to risk a victory they’ve already secured. But Gaethje? He’s cut from a different cloth. With both men known for their destructive power, what’s Cruz’s prediction for this fight?

According to the former champion, “A pure kickboxer, not a lot of grappling, he’s gonna force on Gaethje. So, it’ll be a fun fight, just like it was the first time. They both went to the hospital. I have no doubt it’s going to be the same way this time.”

With stakes this high and firepower on both sides, UFC 313 is shaping up to be another war of attrition. Their first battle ended in bruises, stitches, and a trip to the hospital. If Cruz’s prediction holds true, history is set to repeat itself. But this time, will Rafael Fiziev rewrite the ending and leave Dana White with his jaw on the floor once again? Or will Gaethje prove why they call him ‘The Highlight’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!