​Rafael Fiziev delivered a standout performance in his home homecoming at UFC Fight Night in Baku, overpowering rising lightweight contender Manuel Torres in the main event. After a competitive opening round that included Fiziev scoring a couple of takedowns, the Azerbaijani star unleashed in Round 2 with an explosive spinning wheel kick that dropped Torres, followed by brutal ground-and-pound to secure the finish at 0:15 of the second round. The KO drew a jubilant reaction from the partisan crowd as Fiziev celebrated a much-needed win, snapping a two-fight skid and rebounding from recent losses to Justin Gaethje and Mauricio Ruy. Torres, who had barely survived the first round, tasted defeat for the second time in the UFC, marking only his second career knockout loss in promotion. The dominant victory also set up renewed momentum for Fiziev, who had previously expressed a desire for a shot at high-stakes titles, including a potential “BMF” championship.