--- title: "Fiziev eyes BMF belt after Baku TKO, sets up Oliveira grudge match" description: "Azerbaijani star Rafael Fiziev rules out a lightweight title shot and pivots to the BMF belt, teeing up a blockbuster rematch with Charles Oliveira." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rafael-fiziev-wants-bmf-title-with-ufc-lightweight-belt-too-ba500c5b published: 2026-06-29T17:17:15.25+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T17:17:15.25+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Fiziev eyes BMF belt after Baku TKO, sets up Oliveira grudge match > Azerbaijani star Rafael Fiziev rules out a lightweight title shot and pivots to the BMF belt, teeing up a blockbuster rematch with Charles Oliveira. Rafael Fiziev shut down any talk of a UFC lightweight title shot after his first-round TKO of Manuel Torres at UFC Fight Night 250 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 4, 2023. Instead, the Azerbaijani fighter pivoted to the BMF belt, calling it a realistic target and setting up a potential grudge match with current BMF champion Charles Oliveira. Fiziev’s victory over Torres—his third straight finish—cemented his status as a top contender at 155 pounds and gave him the leverage to bypass the crowded lightweight division. His post-fight comments left little doubt: the BMF belt is now in his crosshairs. “The BMF is a realistic goal,” Fiziev said. “I’ve got the fire, the tools, and the record to go after it.” The path Fiziev is eyeing runs straight through Oliveira, the man who handed him his first professional loss in a 2021 split-decision that was later overturned due to a post-fight PED violation by Oliveira. Their interrupted rivalry resurfaced in Fiziev’s mind after Baku. “That fight was a story,” he said. “We both know what happened. Now the fans deserve to see the real ending.” Oliveira, meanwhile, remains the BMF champion after his own dominant win in Rio earlier this year. The Brazilian has defended the belt twice since reclaiming it and shows no signs of stepping aside. But Fiziev’s rise and vocal ambition have just forced the issue. A blockbuster BMF title clash in 2024 is now the most logical next step for both men. The BMF belt’s informal prestige is now colliding with UFC’s formal lightweight title picture. By skipping the Gaethje gauntlet, Fiziev is betting that a BMF showdown with Oliveira will deliver more financial and cultural heat than another interim lightweight bout. His finishing streak—three straight stoppages—proves he’s not just talking. The division’s hierarchy is fluid, and Fiziev is exploiting it. Fiziev’s pivot also exposes a strategic gap in the UFC’s lightweight marketing. Gaethje’s dominance has left the division’s narrative stuck in a loop of title defenses and interim fights. Fiziev’s BMF push offers a fresh storyline that doesn’t require dethroning Gaethje. If the Oliveira rematch materializes, it could redefine what a “must-see” lightweight fight looks like—one driven by bad blood, not just rankings. The Oliveira-Fiziev dynamic isn’t just a personal feud; it’s a clash of fighting philosophies. Oliveira’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pedigree and submission-heavy approach contrasts sharply with Fiziev’s blistering Muay Thai and pressure-based game. Their first fight was a chess match that Oliveira narrowly won, but the rematch would pit raw aggression against refined technique in a high-stakes environment. This isn’t just a grudge match—it’s a tactical showcase. Fiziev’s decision to target the BMF belt also reflects a broader trend in MMA: the rise of the “super fight” as a revenue driver. The BMF belt, despite its informal status, has become a marketing goldmine. Fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards have used it to elevate their profiles, and Fiziev is betting he can do the same. By bypassing the lightweight title queue, he’s positioning himself as the division’s next big draw without needing to wait for Gaethje’s next move. What’s next: Expect the UFC to fast-track negotiations for a Fiziev vs. Oliveira BMF title fight. If the stars align, the bout could headline a pay-per-view in mid-2024, delivering a grudge match that skips the Gaethje gauntlet entirely. ## Why this matters Fiziev’s pivot to the BMF belt exposes a division-wide power shift at 155 lbs and forces the UFC’s hand. By skipping the lightweight title queue, he’s redefined the stakes: a BMF showdown with Oliveira isn’t just a grudge match—it’s a de-facto title eliminator that could reignite his push for a belt without needing to dethrone Justin Gaethje first. The BMF belt’s informal prestige now eclipses interim lightweight fights, and Fiziev is leveraging that to carve his own path. The Oliveira rematch could also redefine fan expectations, turning a division narrative from rankings to rivalries. ## Frequently asked ### Why did Rafael Fiziev rule out a UFC lightweight title shot after beating Manuel Torres? Fiziev said the lightweight title is too far away given the crowded division and Justin Gaethje’s dominance. He called the BMF belt a more realistic target and set his sights on Charles Oliveira instead. ### What is the BMF belt and why does it matter? The BMF (Baddest Motherfucker) belt is an informal UFC championship awarded to the fighter perceived as the most entertaining and dominant in their division. It carries no formal title status but is a major fan draw. ### When did Rafael Fiziev and Charles Oliveira fight before? They met at UFC 264 in August 2021. Oliveira won by split decision, but the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Oliveira tested positive for banned substances. ### How many finishes has Fiziev put together in his last three fights? Fiziev has finished his last three opponents—including Manuel Torres at UFC Fight Night 250—bringing his recent finishing streak to three in a row. ### Where was UFC Fight Night 250 held and who did Fiziev beat? UFC Fight Night 250 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 4, 2023. Fiziev knocked out Manuel Torres in the first round. ### Who is the current BMF champion at 155 lbs? Charles Oliveira holds the BMF belt at 155 pounds after his dominant win in Rio earlier in 2023. ## Sources & Citations - [Rafael Fiziev wants BMF title with UFC lightweight belt too far away - MMA Junkie](https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/06/27/ufc-baku-rafael-fiziev-callout-charles-oliveira-bmf-title-lightweight-belt-too-far-away/90724329007/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Fiziev eyes BMF belt after Baku TKO, sets up Oliveira grudge match. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/rafael-fiziev-wants-bmf-title-with-ufc-lightweight-belt-too-ba500c5b