Winning his first bout at PFL 7 2019, Magomed Magomedkerimov would set up a rematch with Ray Cooper III, who he faced in the 2018 finale, in the semifinals.
Professional Fighters League welterweight champion Magomed Magomedkerimov entered PFL 7 2019 on a ten-fight win streak. The reigning champ was taking on Chris Curtis in quarterfinal action, the first of two fights in a night for the winner.
Curiously enough, Curtis was the last man Magomedkerimov defeated in the PFL 2019 regular season. Making this an immediate rematch.
Magomedkerimov slipped early, but Curtis was unable to take advantage. Instead, the champ hoisted Curtis up and dumped him on his back, moving into guard. Curtis would make it to the fence and get back up, but not before eating some strikes from above for his troubles. Nor did Curtis stay standing long. Instead, Magomedkerimov took the back, getting hooks in and fighting hands while looking to set up a choke.
Round two had Curtis needing to turn things around. Instead, he ate a combo from Magomedkerimov early. That set the tone. The champ would go to the body. Get the better of the exchanges. Curtis couldn’t seem to get out of first gear, perhaps wary of getting taken to the ground again, which could be disastrous. The round was a lot closer, but Magomedkerimov came on strong at the end, firing off combos, a front kick, and driving Curtis into the fence.
He’d end the round, and fight, in control.
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Chris Curtis by unanimous decision (20-17, 20-18, 20-18)
