Top French prospect and ARES FC double champion Abdoul Abdouraguimov, better known perhaps as the ‘Lazy King,’ made his promotional debut at PFL Paris as he took on late notice replacement Brad Wheeler.
After the UFC declined to sign Abdouraguimov, the French and Dagestani wrestler took his talents to the PFL, where he looked to secure his spot in the 2024 PFL regular season with a win. Brad Wheeler, who replaced Quemuel Ottoni, hoped to play spoiler as a steep underdog in enemy territory, but it was not to be for the Brit as ‘Lazy King’ submitted him in the first rounds in front of global soccer superstar Kylian Mbappe.
The fight started and Abdouraguimov did not go for a takedown immediately. Brad began to throw hands and grow in confidence as the Lazy King only threw leg kicks. Suddenly, Abdoul clinched up, reaped the leg, and took Brad down. He transitioned into full mount immediately, forcing Wheeler to give up his back. It took some time but Abdouraguimov transitioned fluidly between mount, back takes, and an arm triangle choke attempt before finding the submission. The rear-naked choke came after Abdoul trapped one of Brad’s hands with a leg. He switched back and forth between face cranks with each hand before getting the elbow under the chin at last and forcing his foe to tap.
In his post-fight interview, Abdouraguimov declared his intention to fight in the 2024 PFL season, but to compete at lightweight. Despite winning his belts at welterweight and middleweight, Abdoul has always been small at 170-lbs, so now it makes sense to fight at 155 since he will be facing the best fighters he has seen thus far in his career.
Official Result: Abdoul Abdouraguimov def. Brad Wheeler by Submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 2:43
