Gadzhi Rabadanov earned three points to kick off his season with a decision victory over Steven Siler at PFL 2 2019.
Gadzhi Rabadanov is a fearsome Russian fighter who is 11-3-2. Of his 11 victories, four are by submissions and four are by knockout. He most recently fought in the FNG organization and was 4-1-1, and comes into PFL 2 2019 on a three-fight win streak.
Steven Siler was a finalist in last season’s PFL featherweight tournament after finishing the regular season as the division’s top seed. “Super” Steven submitted both of his opponents in the regular season in the first round, giving him the maximum 12 points. He got through the playoffs in a strange way, advancing on a draw in the first round, then winning by illegal upkick in the second round. The former UFC fighter faced Lance Palmer in the finals and was soundly defeated. Siler was a TUF 14 cast member who was 5-4 in the UFC from 2011 to 2014.
Steven Siler took the center of the cage and landed a combination early in the first round. Gadzhi Rabadanov was skirting along the fence and sprung forward to take Siler down. The former UFC fighter tried to counter with a guillotine, but could not lock it up. Rabadanov was in control, keeping Siler pinned in guard. Siler was active from his back, but couldn’t force a stand-up or threaten his opponent. Rabadonov passed guard, fought off a submission attempt, then passed guard twice more. The dominant round ended with Rabadanov landing shots on top.
Siler pushed forward again to start the second round, landing a leg kick, then eating one. Rabadanov’s first takedown attempt came up short. The Russian was diligent with leg kicks, but Siler was landing straight punches. A right hand connected cleanly on Rabadanov, who reacted with a takedown against the cage. On the way up, Siler was caught by a knee below the belt. After action resumed, Siler came out hard but went right into a takedown. Rabadanov passed guard yet again and pinned him there until there were about 15 seconds left, when Siler used a sweep to stand up, then rushed forward with punches before attempting to wrap up a guillotine. There was not nearly enough time to finish it off though.
Siler decided to try something new to start the final round, shooting for a takedown of his own. It didn’t pay off, as Rabadanov took the fight to the ground with a trip. The Russian worked his way to Siler’s back and had an incredibly deep rear-naked choke that Siler somehow fought out of. Siler was in top position with not much time left, but was able to nearly establish a crucifix with a minute left. Rabadanov spun out, but into another guillotine attempt that was not completed. Rabadanov finished the round on top, cruising to three points.
Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Steven Siler by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
