Rafael Fiziev could be bidding the lightweight division farewell following his latest setback at UFC 313.
Fiziev returned to action at this past weekend's pay-per-view event in Las Vegas 18 months on from tearing his ACL in an Apex headliner versus Mateusz Gamrot.
"Ataman" stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Dan Hooker opposite Justin Gaethje, marking the second time that Fiziev has shared the cage with "The Highlight."
Just like first time around in London, the Azerbaijani performed valiantly but was unable to do enough to secure victory on the scorecards. And a second defeat to Gaethje and third overall has left Fiziev assessing his future.
During an appearance on Tuesday's episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Fiziev suggested that a drop down to the featherweight division could mark his next step on MMA's biggest stage.
I'm (starting) to think right now about changing weight divisions because I cut weight very easy this time, and this was short notice," Rafael Fiziev said. "All this week, my nutritionist, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Right now, I have to think about it.
I've been thinking about it a long time. Like I say, I am not big in this division," Fiziev continued. "These guys have trouble if I come there. They'll be in trouble, man, everybody.
Should Rafael Fiziev commit to that change, he'd depart the 155-pound weight class as its #11-ranked contender. Prior to running into Gaethje, "Ataman" had won six straight fights, including over Renato Moicano, King Green, and Rafael dos Anjos.