Rising UFC star Rafael Fiziev finished Rafael dos Anjos, issues bizarre call-out to tennis star Rafa Nadal

Alan DawsonJul 10, 2022, 11:34 IST

Rafael Fiziev defeated Rafael dos Anjos at the UFC show Saturday.Photo by Getty Images

Rafael Fiziev scored the biggest win of his career Saturday when he finished Rafael dos Anjos.
The rising lightweight, who warred with Conor McGregor this week, challenged Rafa Nadal to a fight.

LAS VEGAS — A new lightweight star in the UFC announced himself Saturday as rising contender Rafael Fiziev finished Rafael dos Anjos in style at the Apex in Las Vegas.

Fiziev, the first Azerbaijan athlete to compete in the world's premier combat sports organization, knocked dos Anjos out in the fifth round and then used his time on the microphone to challenge another Rafa to a fight — tennis great Rafa Nadal.

Fiziev's win earned him a performance-related bonus but he was not the only ultimate fighter to receive an extra $50,000 check as heavyweight slugger Chase Sherman received a bonus for his big knockout win over Jared Vanderaa.

Michael Johnson and Jamie Mullarkey both walked away with an additional $50,000 for their 'Fight of the Night,' as per the UFC.

Keep scrolling for photos, videos, and other highlights from the main UFC card this weekend.

Jamie Mullarkey and Michael Johnson collided in one of the best fights of the night.

Jamie Mullarkey edged Michael Johnson in a lightweight three-rounder.Photo by Getty Images

Aiemann Zahabi scored a unanimous decision win over Ricky Turcios.

Aiemann Zahabi kicked Ricky Turcios in their UFC bantamweight fight.Photo by Getty Images

Chase Sherman knocked out Jared Vanderaa.

Chase Sherman won his heavyweight fight with a third-round finish.Photo by Getty Images

Sherman pretty much clubbed Vanderaa to the floor.

Chase Sherman gets his hand raised after obliterating Jared Vanderaa.Photo by Getty Images

Said Nurmegomedov extended his winning run with a decision over Douglas Silva de Andrade.

Said Nurmagomedov won his UFC fight.Photo by Getty Images

Referee Herb Dean raised Said Nurmagomedov's arm after his big win Saturday.

Said Nurmagomedov celebrates his UFC win.Photo by Getty Images

Caio Borralho scored a comfortable decision win over Armen Petrosyan.

Ciao Borralho celebrates his UFC win over Armen Petrosyan.Photo by Getty Images

Lightweight fighters Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev competed in the main event.

Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev touch gloves before the opening round.Photo by Getty Images

Rafael Fiziev got off to a dream start in his big test against Rafael dos Anjos.

Rafael Fiziev put rounds in the bank early on against Rafael dos Anjos.Photo by Getty Images

Photos below show Fiziev elated after scoring the biggest win of his career with a left hook knockout that left dos Anjos in a vulnerable position on the floor.

Rafael Fiziev finished Rafael dos Anjos.Photo by Getty Images

Referee Mark Smith prevented Fiziev from doing further damage after dropping dos Anjos with a hard left hook.

Referee Mark Smith withdraws Rafael dos Anjos from the fight in the fifth.Photo by Getty Images

Fiziev raucously celebrated his win after announcing himself as a new lightweight contender.

Fiziev raucously celebrated his win after announcing himself as a new lightweight contender.Photo by Getty Images

He mounted the fence to celebrate with his team …

Rafael Fiziev.Photo by Getty Images

… and pumped his fist into the air before issuing a bizarre call-out.