As much he jokes about not being fond of wrestling, Fiziev completely understands that everyone, including both he and Gamrot, has to play to their strengths inside the Octagon, and while he wishes more people were willing to stand and trade with him, this too is part of the business.
“I don’t like wrestling and grappling, but we have to do it,” said the decorated and dangerous striker, who earned stoppage wins over Renato Moicano, Brad Riddell, and Rafael Dos Anjos on the way to the showdown with Gaethje in London. “This is MMA — I understand that — and I have to wrestle.
“If somebody wants to wrestle with me, that’s good for him; that’s a good choice. Maybe that’s his base, maybe he’s better than me, so he has to use that. I think I’m better than somebody at standup, I have to use that.”
See What’s Happening In The Lightweight Division | View Fiziev’s Athlete Profile
In speaking about Gamrot, Fiziev mentioned that he was extremely familiar with the man he’ll face in this weekend’s main event, having watched him during his days as a two-division champion in KSW, where he faced a couple members of the Tiger Muay Thai team. He also noted that he and Gamrot trained together at the Thailand super-gym once or twice many years ago, with the Polish standout showing him a couple takedown setups.
When I asked him about facing off with another Top 10 opponent, given his previous gripes about ranked fighters dodging him, the fidgety fighter that is always quick with a quip became still and reflective, unveiling the new way he’s choosing to look at his career.
