Rafael was born on March the 4th, 1985 in an industrial town called Sumgayit (Azerbaijan Republic). At the age of 7 he started to train in football as well as karate. He was passionate about both of these sports, but eventually he chose Karate.

He took part with the Azerbaijan National team in 1997 on the international field at the open World Cup in Hungary. In the year 2018 and 2019 (two years in a row) he has claimed Grand Winner K-1 awards, as the best Karate competitor in his weight category.

As an Olympic silver medalist, five-times World champion, eleven-times European champion, World games gold and many other awards winner, Rafael is considered as one of the most awarded Karatekas in the Wold.

He proudly represents his country.