Rafael Fiziev lands devastating shots to finish Moicano at UFC 256

At the top of the bill, UFC returns with a intriguing ending to 2020 when Deiveson Figueiredo put his UFC flyweight title on the line against Brandon Moreno at UFC 256. It will be the second title defense for the Brazilian champion.

In the co-main, a match up in the lightweight division between a former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will try to end the seven-fight win streak of surging Charles Oliveira in the co-main event. A fight for the ages that’s for sure.

But before it’s gets to all that, another banger will happen at lightweight on the prelims as, Renato Moicano and Rafael Fiziev are rescheduled to fight one another on December 12th tonight at UFC 256. The pair was originally slated to fight on ESPN 18 card, November 28th, but a COVID-19 positive test for Moicano ruled him out of the contest.

Renato Moicano (14-3-1), began his run with the UFC from the Featherweight division .After a couple back to back losses in the division, Moicano fancied a move up a and competed at Lightweight. He amazed fans with his slick 44-sec submission victory over Damir Hadzovic in Round 1.

Whereas his opponent, Rafael Fiziev (8-1), has won 8 fights and has just a single loss to his record. He is currently riding a 2 fight win streak, holding wins against Alex White & Marc Diakiese. He suffered a loss to Magomed Mustafaev in his debut UFC fight, but immediately turned things around heading into his next fights. Rafael will look to make it 3 wins in a row and cement his spot in the Top-15 of UFC Lightweight Rankings.

Here is how the fight played out round by round.

ROUND 1

This one should be great. They show respect and touch gloves. A strong calf kick landed early by Fiziev. Moicano lands a kick of his own as he goes up high, Fiziev blocks it. Fiziev returns with a barrage of kicks to the body. Fiziev rips a punch to the body. A good jab returned from Moicano. Kicks galore from Fiziev, on the feet he’s looking technically amazing. Moicano landing some low kicks of his own. A solid shot from Moicano seems to momentarily stumble Fiziev on the feet and straight away follows up with a double leg, Fiziev is equal to and evades the takedown. Fiziev lands a beautiful Muay Thai sweep. Moicano gets up instantly , and gets cracked to the body then immediately followed with a straight right down the pipe and Moicano looks badly hurt and the ref waves it OFF! The fight is over, and Moicano immediately protects the stoppage as he stumbles back off balance, he did look in real trouble. Fiziev is no joke on the feet, if you choose to stand with him, you’re putting yourself in a bad position.

Official decision: Rafael Fiziev def Renato Moicano by KO, Round 1, 4:05

Lenny March

Aspiring reporter. First locked my eyes on MMA in 2011, and from that night I knew I was invested - haven't took my eyes of MMA since. Growing up watching some of the greats to lock horns, and watch the best MMA has to offer, GSP,Silva, Jones and many more. Been dedicated more then ever to write articles for MMA more then ever, the mission is to get to the top and wont stop until that is accomplished,

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