“Okay, this bonus, you send me for my card, you know the number.” Sounds like something out of a ransom movie, right? But no, that’s just Rafael Fiziev’s dad casually requesting a slice of his UFC earnings. And Fiziev? He sends it, no questions asked. In an age where athletes carefully plan investments and financial advisors hover around, ‘Ataman’s direct and unquestioning support for his family feels like a rare and refreshing sight.

His father’s love for combat sports wasn’t just as a spectator, he brought that passion home, setting up friendly scraps between a young Fiziev and his cousins. For just two dollars, fists flew, bruises formed, and in a small village, that prize money felt like a fortune. Who would’ve thought that scrappy kid would grow up to fight for six-figure UFC paychecks? From backyard brawls to headlining fight nights, Ataman’s journey is as wild as it gets. But just how much is he worth? And where is all that money coming from?

What is Rafael Fiziev’s net worth?

Trying to pin down Rafael Fiziev‘s exact net worth might be a tad bit difficult. The reason? Well, it varies depending on who you ask. Some sources estimate it to be around $500,000, while others go as high as $1.5 million (as per firstsports.com). 

The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but what we do know is that the #11 ranked 155fer has been steadily stacking up his fortune with fight purses, bonuses, and sponsorships.

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Rafael Fiziev’s Career Earnings

Rafael Fiziev made his biggest payday at UFC 286 when he went toe-to-toe with Justin Gaethje in a thrilling battle that earned both fighters ‘Fight of the Night’ honors. Although Fiziev lost the fight, he earned a reported $206,000, according to MMA Salaries. This total included a $150,000 base salary, a $50,000 performance bonus, and $6,000 from sponsorships, making it a strong payday for one night in the Octagon.

Since his UFC debut in 2019, when he made $13,500, Fiziev has steadily increased his earnings. Now, each fight adds another substantial boost to his growing fortune. Next, let’s take a closer look at his guaranteed UFC salary over the years.

• UFC debut vs. Magomed Mustafaev–A tough TKO loss but still pocketed $12,000.
• First win vs. Alex White – Bounced back strong and took home $24,000.
• Breakout performance vs. Marc Diakiese–Made a solid $78,000.
• Big test vs. Renato Moicano–Walked away with $74,000.
• War vs. Bobby Green–A thrilling fight and a $98,500 payday.
• Highlight-reel finish vs. Brad Riddell–Earned $75,000.
• First six-figure payout vs. former champ Rafael dos Anjos–Banked $100,000.
• Third fight of the night vs. Justin Gaethje – Despite the loss, took home $206,000 (including bonus and sponsorship)
• Short-lived bout vs. Mateusz Gamrot – Injury ended it early, but still earned an estimated $420,000. (including other payouts)
• UFC 313 war vs. Justin Gaethje – Walked away with $306,000, including bonuses.
• Baku showdown vs. Ignacio Bahamondes – Took home $311,000, according to FightSalaries

Not too shabby, right? With each fight, Fiziev’s value in the UFC has only increased, and if he keeps putting on show-stopping performances, those numbers are bound to climb even higher. Whether it’s stepping into last-minute fights, collecting bonuses, or simply getting paid for doing what he loves. 

Rafael Fiziev ‘s Professional Career

Rafael Fiziev stands out as one of the few fighters under Dana White & Co. with a strong Muay Thai background. Early in his career, he represented both Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan at the national level, building the foundation for his MMA career. In 2015, he transitioned to MMA and quickly compiled a professional record of 6-0 before joining the UFC.

Initially, Fiziev was scheduled to debut on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018 but withdrew from the bout. However, he eventually made his UFC debut in 2019 against Alex White and won the fight by decision. This victory sparked a six-fight winning streak, including notable wins over veterans such as Bobby Green and Rafael dos Anjos.

Later on, ‘Ataman’ suffered three consecutive defeats against Justin Gaethje, Mateusz Gamrot, and then in a rematch with Gaethje. Nevertheless, he returned to the win column with his latest victory over Ignacio Bahamondes.

Fiziev had planned to return at UFC Rio against Charles Oliveira in his home country, but an injury forced him to pull out. Now, this weekend, the 32-year-old will face Mauricio Ruffy in Australia at UFC 325, aiming to rebuild his win streak.

Rafael Fiziev ‘ Brand Endorsements

Rafael Fiziev has built a strong presence outside the United States, particularly across the Eurasian region he represents. Despite this, even as his profile continues to rise in the UFC, Fiziev keeps a relatively low profile with public endorsements. Still, the #11-ranked contender supplements his UFC income through a carefully selected group of sponsorships.

Notably, Fiziev partners with Goodies Global, a brand that produces everything from protein bars to sweet treats. Although he keeps most endorsement details private, these deals allow him to earn money beyond his fight purses. In addition, ‘Ataman’ signed a sponsorship agreement last summer with Bank Respublika, one of Azerbaijan’s leading financial institutions.

Beyond that, the lightweight contender collaborates with Full Violence to sell his own merchandise through their platform. Meanwhile, he also works as a coach at the renowned Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand, where he teaches Muay Thai and kickboxing. Fiziev has also partnered with Granite Supplements in the past, though the status of that deal remains unclear.

Now returning to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 325 on the main card, he has a chance to keep his rise in the lightweight division alive. If that momentum continues, bigger fights and bigger paydays are surely on the horizon.

What do you think? Will UFC 325 add another hefty deposit to his account and another “You know the number” call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.