Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres prediction, odds, pick for UFC Baku

UFC Baku has reached its apex as we bring you a prediction and pick for this Principal Event bout going down between ranked contenders within the Lightweight (155) Divison. No. 11 Rafael Fiziev will represent Azerbaijan as he takes on Mexico’s No. 15 Manuel Torres quickly rising through the rankings. Check our UFC odds series for the Fiziev-Torres prediction and pick.

Rafael Fiziev (13-5) has gone 7-5 since joining the UFC roster in 2019. After rattling off six-straight wins, Fiziev has lost 4 of his last five fights, two of those losses coming against Justin Gaethje. He fell to Mauricio Ruffy his last outing and shall be on the lookout for redemption in front of his home country fans. Fiziev stands 5-foot-8 with a 71.5-inch reach.

Manuel Torres (17-3) has gone 5-1 contained in the UFC since 2022. The previous Contender Series product is on a two-fight winning streak that included first-round knockouts over Drew Dober and Grant Dawson. He withdrew from his last bout against Beneil Dariush but shall be able to make his Principal Event debut on this one. Torres stands 5-foot-10 with a 73,5-inch reach.

UFC Baku Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Baku Odds: Rafael Fiziev-Manuel Torres Odds

Rafael Fiziev: -115

Manuel Torres: -105

Over 1.5 rounds: -160

Under 1.5 rounds: +124

Why Rafael Fiziev Will Win

• Last Fight: (L) Mauricio Ruffy – TKO (punches, R2)
• Last 5: 1-4
• Finishes: 8 KO/TKO, 1 SUB

Rafael Fiziev got here up short once more when facing Mauricio Ruffy his last outing, battling the striking speed and distance management of his opponent. Fiziev is often a master of gauging the gap and slipping away from opponents just in time, however the length and pressure of Ruffy was simply an excessive amount of for him to flee from. The loss comes after Fiziev’s dominance over one other young Mexican prospect in Ignacio Bahamondes, so he’s seen this sort of look previously and has emerged victorious because of this.

Rafael Fiziev is robust wherever the fight may happen and it’s value noting that he’s fought a full six rounds against current champion Justin Gaethje and took him to a call verdict on each occasions. Not only is Fiziev game to trade in the middle of the octagon, but he’s greater than willing to take a punch and if he doesn’t respect his opponent’s power, he’ll proceed marching forward all night with little regard for his own defense.

On this fight, Fiziev could have to beat a height and reach drawback once more which he’s undoubtedly struggled against previously. While Torres sports a powerful 90% takedown defense, Fiziev’s 66% accuracy should serve him well if he looks for the within trip or takedown along the fence. So long as he’s capable of remain aggressive without letting Torres settle right into a striking groove, Fiziev should have the option to cruise to a call win having more experience in this sort of environment.

Why Manuel Torres Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Grant Dawson – KO (uppercut, R1)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 9 KO/TKO, 7 SUB

Following a fast setback where he fell to Ignacio Bahamondes in the primary round, Manuel Torres learned his lesson from the loss and went on to complete strong UFC talents like Drew Dober and Grant Dawson contained in the first round. With a robust frame for the Lightweight Division, Torres is a devastating striker with great ending power at this weight.

His length allows him to maintain opponents on the top of his punches and when he’s capable of load and land his right hand, he’s normally capable of sit opponents down and quickly rush in for the finish.

Manuel Torres can be very energetic along with his kicking to all three levels and may offer a solid look against an analogous style in Fiziev’s. He’ll have the option to return right back with low leg kicks while forcing Fiziev to take heed to such. He’s also very consistent in throwing his right hand consecutively after the low leg kick, so expect Torres to be throwing punches excessive as he tries to drop Fiziev’s hands.

Final Rafael Fiziev-Manuel Torres Prediction & Pick

This fight must have all of the makings of a striking classic despite the very fact each fighters are heading in opposite directions by way of their overall records. Manuel Torres is riding great momentum following back-to-back knockouts in the primary round while Fiziev is coming in off being knocked out himself.

Still, we won’t deny Rafael Fiziev’s body of labor despite record and the straightforward fact he hung in there for six rounds against the present champion Gaethje should let you know every part about his skill level. Torres may seem to be a dangerous prospect on the outset, but there’s still levels to the fight game and Rafel Fiziev has gone toe-to-toe against a few of one of the best.

For our final prediction, we’ll must side with Rafael Fiziev to rise to the occasion in front of his home Azerbaijan fans. The skill gap should change into apparent between these two quickly and I expect Fiziev to point out up very polished and able to do damage.

Final Rafael Fiziev-Manuel Torres Prediction & Pick: Rafael Fiziev (-115); OVER 1.5 Rounds (-160)