Usman retains PFL lightweight title with submission victory over Davis

Russian mixed martial arts star Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight world title with a dominant submission victory over Britain’s Alfie Davis, headlining the PFL Championship held at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai on Saturday.

The high-profile championship event was staged through a strategic partnership between the Professional Fighters League, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, reinforcing Dubai’s growing stature as a global hub for elite international sporting events.

From the opening bell, Nurmagomedov asserted complete control over the contest, setting a relentless pace and showcasing his superior technical skill. Mixing sharp, calculated striking with constant forward pressure, the reigning champion steadily wore down his challenger across the early rounds. Midway through the fourth round, Nurmagomedov executed a perfectly timed takedown before finishing the bout with a highly technical and innovative submission that blended an arm-triangle choke into a rear-naked choke, forcing Davis to tap and sealing another emphatic title defence.

The victory marked the fifth successful defence of Nurmagomedov’s PFL lightweight crown and extended the 27-year-old’s unblemished professional record to 22 consecutive wins, further cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant and consistent fighters in modern mixed martial arts.

Speaking after the fight, Nurmagomedov expressed satisfaction with both his performance and the execution of his strategy.

“I won the fight exactly as I planned,” he said. “I made him work, I made him tired, and with time the result was inevitable.”

He also paid tribute to his father and coaching team, thanking them for their unwavering guidance and support throughout his career.

The championship night attracted a capacity crowd and featured the presence of several prominent sports figures, including former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

Nurmagomedov made his walk to the cage accompanied by his coach and cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, along with a number of leading international mixed martial arts stars, adding further prestige to the occasion.

In the co-main event, Russia’s Ramazan Kuramagomedov captured the welterweight title after delivering a composed and disciplined performance to defeat compatriot Shamil Musayev by unanimous decision.

Following the win, Kuramagomedov told Dan Hardy in the PFL cage that he may have sustained a broken arm during the fight and even suggested the possibility of retirement.

Elsewhere on the main card, France’s Abdoul Abdouraguimov edged Canada’s Kendly St. Louis by split decision. In a Featherweight bout, PFL newcomer Salamat Isbulaev (10-0) extended his undefeated record in emphatic fashion, maintaining his 100 percent finish rate. The Kazakhstani started cautiously, respecting the power of former champion Jesus Pinedo (25-8-1), but a takedown and transition into the crucifix position proved decisive. From there, he unleashed a barrage of elbows that forced a TKO stoppage over the Peruvian powerhouse.

In the main card opener for PFL Road to Dubai, No. 8-ranked Pouya Rahmani (6-0) once again showed why he is one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport, submitting Karl Williams (10-5) with a dominant arm-triangle choke in the second round.

The preliminary bouts delivered further excitement, with Russia’s Amru Magomedov stopping American Colton England via first-round TKO, while France’s Taylor Lapilus claimed a third-round TKO win over Russia’s Qasim Qasumov. Russia’s Renat Khavalov and Meksharab Zenokov both recorded unanimous decision victories in tightly contested matchups.

In the women’s division, Dutch striker Denise Kielholtz defeated Brazil’s Antonia Silvaneide by unanimous decision after a high-tempo bout. Britain’s Luke Trainer secured a swift first-round submission against Australia’s Rob Wilkinson, while Russia’s Habib Nabiyev claimed a second-round TKO win over Egypt’s Ahmed Sami. Brazil’s Johnny Gregory rounded out the action with a first-round submission victory over Britain’s Haider Khan.