Fiziev considering move to featherweight after UFC 313 loss

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev may be in a lower weight class the next time he steps into the Octagon.

Fiziev said Tuesday he's considering dropping down to featherweight after losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last weekend.

"I'm starting to think right now about changing weight divisions because I really cut weight very easy this time, and it was short notice," Fiziev told "The Ariel Helwani Show." "Very easy. All this week, my nutritionist, Jason, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Right now, I have to think, maybe, about it."

When asked if there's a strong possibility his next fight will be at 145 pounds, Fiziev said, "I think yes."

Fiziev suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Gaethje in a rematch that co-headlined the event in Las Vegas. He agreed to the fight with less than two weeks' notice, replacing Dan Hooker. Fiziev, who previously lost to Gaethje by majority decision in March 2023, returned to the cage for the first time since tearing his ACL in a September 2023 loss to Mateusz Gamrot.

The 32-year-old said he's thought about moving to featherweight for "a long time."

Fiziev, ranked No. 11 at 155 pounds, was an up-and-coming contender in the weight class before his current three-fight skid. He has finished the likes of Renato Moicano and former champion Rafael dos Anjos.

Fiziev said he believes he'd become a contender at featherweight.

"I want to fight with top guys. ... All of the guys in the top 10 are very interesting," Fiziev said. "These guys have a trouble if I come in. They'll be in trouble, man. Everybody."