Manuel Torres is embracing the stakes as he heads into his main event clash with Rafael Fiziev at UFC Fight Night 280, which takes place at Crystal Palace in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Torres meets Fiziev in the headliner after recently moving from No. 15 to No. 13 in the UFC lightweight Meta-based rankings, while Fiziev shifted from No. 11 to unranked in the same update.
Despite Fiziev’s recent slide in the Meta-based rankings, Torres sees danger, not downside, in the matchup. “I don't think it goes against me because he's always giving good fights, and if you think about it, he's had two amazing battles againstJustin Gaethje, who's now the champion,” Torres said. “I don't think it gets in my way or it's detrimental to me. I'm just going to go out there and fight.”
Known for fast finishes, Torres is ranked No. 2 behind Terrance McKinney for shortest average fight time in UFC lightweight history, and all of his UFC bouts have ended in Round 1. Still, he insists he’s ready for extended minutes in Baku. “I prepare myself for five rounds, six, seven, we are very well prepared for this,” he said. “People who see my fights understand that if the opportunity presents itself, I will find it. I'm not going to waste it, and that's how I'm able to finish my fights. I believe it's going to be a war. It'll be a striking battle, and I'm ready for more rounds if needed.”
With a 17-3 MMA record and 5-1 UFC mark, Torres believes a statement win over Fiziev (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) could push him toward the very top. “Myself as well, I'm there in the mix, and if I do well, I do believe that I could get a title shot as well,” he said.
