Mauricio Ruffy explosively returns to win column at UFC 325 knocking out Rafael Fiziev

After tasting defeat for the first time in the UFC octagon, Mauricio Ruffy delivered an emphatic response to doubters on Saturday night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The Brazilian striker’s blistering second-round knockout of Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325 was precisely the statement victory needed to reignite his lightweight trajectory and announce his arrival as a legitimate contender in the division’s upper echelon.

MAURICIO RUFFY KNOCKS OUT RAFAEL FIZIEV IN ROUND 2!! pic.twitter.com/iaIgdyoiAD

— The MMA Archives (@Themmaarchives) February 1, 2026

What made Ruffy’s performance particularly impressive was his ability to weather an early storm from the Kazakh veteran. Fiziev came out aggressively in round one, pressing Ruffy against the cage and landing a series of methodical calf kicks that appeared to be stalling the momentum of his opponent. The Fighting Nerds representative found himself largely on the defensive through much of the opening frame, searching for counters and opportunities to engage more actively in exchanges. By the close of round one, it remained an uncomfortably close contest—Fiziev’s early aggression threatened to control the narrative.

But Ruffy’s resilience and composure proved decisive in round two. As the second stanza unfolded, the Brazilian shifted gears dramatically, picking up the pace with effective counterstriking while systematically dismantling the leg kick attack that had worked so well for Fiziev early. Despite Fiziev’s continued pressure, his offensive output deteriorated, failing to generate the same volume and force that characterized his opening salvo.

With approximately ninety seconds remaining in the round, Ruffy unleashed his moment. A thunderous right hand—a perfect expression of timing, distance management, and raw power—caught Fiziev flush and sent him crashing to the canvas. The entire arena felt the impact as Fiziev went down hard. The veteran managed to scramble back to his feet momentarily, desperately attempting to survive through grappling exchanges, but his legs betrayed him. As Fiziev deteriorated on unsteady foundation, Ruffy capitalized with a relentless barrage of ground-and-pound until referee intervention mercifully halted the contest at 4:30 of round two.

For Ruffy, the victory represents far more than a single win. It’s a complete resurrection following his September loss to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Paris and validation of his decision to train with Alexander Volovski and his elite team. The 12-2 record now reflects a fighter who was merely interrupted by one setback, not derailed by it. With 11 victories achieved through knockout or TKO, Ruffy has entered dangerous form heading into 2026.

Fiziev, meanwhile, will need to regroup. The 32-year-old’s comeback narrative has unexpectedly derailed following his recent victory over Ignacio Bahamondes. The lightweight division waits for no one, and stepping back into title contention from this position will prove significantly more challenging.

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