Davis, like Rabadanov, was a former Bellator MMA star, but it was Gadzhi who was looking to repeat as a PFL champ, having won the promotion’s 155lb title last year.

Rabadanov fired a heavy hook inside of a minute into the PFL Charlotte main event, though it wouldn’t connect. Moments later, a connection was made, unfortunately, it was an inside kick landing low on the 2024 PFL Global champ. He didn’t take much recovery time, and they went right back at it.

Holding center, Rabadanov forced Davis to work counters with his back to the cage; Davis was happy enough to oblige, firing an overhand left with about 90 seconds still on the clock. Big windup, but it hit air. Still, Davis did find the mark at times, and Rabadanov was soon showing a bit of damage.

In round two, it was Rabadanov landing an early takedown, on top with lots of time to work. Davis, away from the fence, seemed content to hold Rabadanov in place, trying to stall his progress. Rabadanov would back off, fire a punch, and re-engage, with Davis at least getting to the cage wall. Still, Rabadanov would spent the rest of the round on top.

Round three saw Davis break out some slick elbows, even firing a back elbow on the feet as the round progressed. Rabadanov was walking the Brit down, but for the first time in the fight, Alfie seemed to be feeling himself. He added a kick to the midsection, landing it more than once. Rabadanov stayed patient as Davis circled outside. A closer third round after a clear Rabadanov round in the second. Davis would punctuate the round with a spinning elbow attack.

Gadzhi Rabadanov went back to what had worked in round two in the fourth frame, getting the fight to the ground and trapping Davis there. Davis was stuck on his back for an extended period, and even with Rabadanov doing minimal damage from the top, Davis was doing even less off his back. He had a butterfly guard in place at times, but simply couldn’t create space or scramble out. You could practically hear the tick of the clock as precious seconds dripped away.

Round five opened with the fight either tied, or Rabadanov up 3-1, likely dependent on a very close first frame. The first couple of minutes into the fifth and final round were fairly close, though just past the midway mark, Davis nearly caught Rabadanov with a knee as he shot in for a takedown. Davis might have had a slight edge in striking to that point. Still, in a close round and close fight, Rabadanov was able to land a takedown with about a minute to go. He’d finish the fight on top, and they would head off to the judges.

After a very close fight, all three judges awarded the bout to Alfie Davis, who called for the winner of Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2. Davis then offered to put the belt in next year’s World Tournament if he were to win it.

Official Result: Alfie Davis def. Gadzhi Rabadanov by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

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Gadzhi Rabadanov, the 2024 PFL Global champion, was looking to win a second straight tournament when he took on fellow Bellator MMA veteran Alfie Davis. The co-main event, meanwhile, featured Liz Carmouche, the multi-time UFC title challenger and Bellator champ, facing BJJ star Jena Bishop.

Where to Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals

Friday, August 15, 2025 sees the Professional Fighters League visiting the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. PFL Charlotte airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., and DAZN elsewhere. Full results can be found below. The preliminary card starts at 6:30PM ET, 3:30PM PT followed by the main card at 9PM ET, 6PM PT.

PFL Charlotte: Rabadanov vs. Davis Results

Lightweight: Alfie Davis def. Gadzhi Rabadanov by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) – World Tournament Lightweight Final
Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche def. Jena Bishop by TKO, Round 3, 2:56 – World Tournament Women’s Flyweight Final
Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves def. Justin Wetzell by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) – World Tournament Bantamweight Final
Lightweight: Robert Watley def. Mads Burnell by TKO, Round 3, 2:43

Preliminary card

Women’s Flyweight: Juliana Velasquez def. Ekaterina Shakalova by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Adryan Grundy by knockout, Round 3, 3:23
Women’s Flyweight: Sabrina de Sousa def. Saray Orozco by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov def. Vilson Ndregjoni by TKO, Round 1, 2:49
Welterweight: Chris Mixan def. Kendly St. Louis by TKO, Round 1, 4:36
Catchweight (150): Damion Nelson def. Isaiah Diggs by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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“I’m very excited, but same goal,” he said ahead of his PFL Lightweight World Tournament final with Alfie Davis. “Don’t like his face, and I’ll do this.”

What sort of statement will he make should he follow up his 2024 PFL Global tournament win by being victorious in the World Tournament? “If I take this belt again, it will be a big message to the MMA world, who I am. Who is Gadzhi Rabadanov. For my legacy, the legacy of my team, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s school,” stated Rabadanov, speaking during the PFL Charlotte media day. “It will be very good. I can’t wait.”

Speaking of his team, Rabadanov admitted that at times, he sees them more than anyone. “Sometimes I see these guys more than my family. It’s crazy. A lot of time together.”

It’s been a wild ride for Rabadanov, who at one point was pondering retirement. Then, the Dagestani caught on in Bellator, and found greater success after that promotion was acquired by the PFL.

“It’s crazy. Five, six years ago. Now, what a position I have. I want to say again for everybody who’s going to watch, never give up. Never give up. All the world’s yours if you believe.”

Opponent Alfie Davis says he has a knee ready if Rabadanov tries to take him down. That left Gadzhi Rabadanov incredulous. “When’s the last time he knocks out somebody with a knee? What he’s talking about? He’s crazy. I smash him.”

As to why his fighting style is superior to Davis, Rabadanov said that “I’m a universal fighter. I can dictate my rules in this fight, you know? What’s he do? Nothing. I smash this guy.”

Watch Gadzhi Rabadanov’s PFL Charlotte media day appearance above. The event takes place this Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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It’s really no surprise to see former Bellator flyweight champ Liz Carmouche here. Carmouche was a favorite to make the finals in last year’s PFL Global season, but was eliminated in the semifinals by Taila Santos. Dakota Ditcheva would go on to win the season; with Ditcheva now the PFL’s biggest star, it seems Carmouche and Jena Bishop are fighting for a shot at the champ.

Gadzhi Rabadanov won the 2024 PFL Global lightweight season, and he’s looking to double up as a PFL World Tournament champion when he takes on Alfie Davis in an all-Bellator main event. On a 12-fight win streak and with four straight finishes, Rabadanov is looking deadlier than ever.

Weigh-ins for PFL Charlotte take place Thursday; results can be found below.

PFL Charlotte: Rabadanov vs. Davis Weigh-In Results

Main card

Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov (154.8) vs. Alfie Davis (154.2) – World Tournament Lightweight Final
Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche (125) vs. Jena Bishop (124.8) – World Tournament Women’s Flyweight Final
Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves (134.8) vs. Justin Wetzell (134.8) – World Tournament Bantamweight Final
Lightweight: Mads Burnell (154.8) vs. Robert Watley (156)

Preliminary card

Women’s Flyweight: Juliana Velasquez (125.6) vs. Ekaterina Shakalova (125.2)
Lightweight: Biaggio Ali Walsh (155.2) vs. Adryan Grundy (155.4)
Women’s Flyweight: Sabrina de Sousa (125.8) vs. Saray Orozco (125.4)
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (136) vs. Vilson Ndregjoni (135.8)
Welterweight: Kendly St. Louis (169.2) vs. Chris Mixan (170.2)
Featherweight: Damion Nelson (149)* vs. Isaiah Diggs (146)

* Nelson missed weight by 3lbs, bout moves forward at a 150lb catchweight

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Early in round one, both fighters took part in feeling each other out. Under a minute in, Rabadanov landed a stiff jab to rock Lee, noticeably wobbling him and leaving lasting effects. A short time later, Rabadonov stumbled Lee again, and from there on out, the legs of Kevin Lee never looked the same. His composure kept him in the fight, but Gadzhi Rabadonov smelled the blood in the water and patently worked to find the big moment where a huge combination sent Kevin Lee falling face-first into the canvas.

The right hand of Rabadonov was certainly the kryptonite as he successfully punched his ticket to the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals this August. This year, Rabadonov will have the opportunity to win the tournament two years in a row when he faces Alfie Davis on August 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Official Result: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Kevin Lee by TKO, Round 1, 2:37

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Atop the card, 2025 PFL Global champion Gadzhi Rabadanov. The Dagestani standout was looking for a second tournament win, albeit with roughly half the prize money on the line. Opposite Rabadanov should have been Jay-Jay Wilson, but with Wilson forced out, UFC veteran Kevin Lee was stepping in, looking for one of the biggest wins of his career.

In the co-main event, Bellator women’s flyweight champ Liz Carmouche was paired up with undefeated Jungle Warriors champion Elora Dana.

Where to Watch the PFL World Tournament Semifinals

The PFL World Tournament continues on Friday, June 20, 2025 with PFL Wichita taking place at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., and DAZN elsewhere. Full results can be found below. The action gets underway at 5:30PM ET, 2:30PM PT.

PFL Wichita: Rabadanov vs. Lee Results

Main Card

Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Kevin Lee by TKO, Round 1, 2:37 – World Tournament Semifinal
Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche def. Elora Dana by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – World Tournament Semifinal
Lightweight: Archie Colgan def. Mansour Barnaoui by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves def. Jake Hadley by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) – World Tournament Semifinal
Lightweight: Alfie Davis def. Brent Primus by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – World Tournament Semifinal
Bantamweight: Justin Wetzell def. Mando Gutierrez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – World Tournament Semifinal

Early Card

Women’s Flyweight: Jena Bishop def. Ekaterina Shakalova by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:07 – World Tournament Semifinal
Bantamweight: Magomed Magomedov def. Savarjon Khamidov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – World Tournament Alternate bout
Lightweight: Vinicius Cenci def. Antonio Caruso by submission (triangle), Round 1, 1:43 – World Tournament Alternate bout
Lightweight: Darragh Kelly def. Mike Hamel by submission (face crank), Round 3, 3:09
Women’s Flyweight: Ilara Joanne def. Saray Orozco by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) – World Tournament Alternate bout
Welterweight: Nick Meck def. Alan Domingues by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:10

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Headlining the show, last year’s PFL Global champ, Gadzhi Rabadanov, was paired up with replacement fighter and UFC veteran Kevin Lee, stepping in for Jay-Jay Wilson. The co-headliner saw Liz Carmouche opposite undefeated Brazilian Elora Dana, while Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan faced off in a showcase, non-tournament lightweight bout.

A bantamweight semifinal also graced the card with Jake Hadley facing Marcirley Alves.

Weigh-ins for the event took place on Thursday in Wichita, KS, results can be found below. Of note, Kevin Lee was successful in his return to the lightweight division for the first time in four years.

PFL Wichita: Rabadanov vs. Lee Weigh-In Results

Main Card

Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov (155.6 lbs) vs. Kevin Lee (156 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal
Women’s Flyweight: Liz Carmouche (126 lbs) vs. Elora Dana (125 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal
Lightweight: Mansour Barnaoui (155.4 lbs) vs. Archie Colgan (155.6 lbs)
Bantamweight: Marcirley Alves (135.6 lbs) vs. Jake Hadley (135.8 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal
Lightweight: Brent Primus (155.8 lbs) vs. Alfie Davis (155.8 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal
Bantamweight: Justin Wetzell (135.8 lbs) vs. Mando Gutierrez (136 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal

Early Card

Women’s Flyweight: Ekaterina Shakalova (126 lbs) vs. Jena Bishop (125.6 lbs) – World Tournament Semifinal
Bantamweight: Magomed Magomedov (136 lbs) vs. Savarjon Khamidov (175.4 lbs) – World Tournament Alternate bout
Lightweight: Antonio Caruso (155.4 lbs) vs. Vinicius Cenci (154.8 lbs) – World Tournament Alternate bout
Lightweight: Darragh Kelly (170.6 lbs) vs. Mike Hamel (156 lbs)
Women’s Flyweight: Saray Orozco (145.4 lbs) vs. Ilara Joanne (124.4 lbs) – World Tournament Alternate bout
Welterweight: Alan Domingues (170.8 lbs) vs. Nick Meck (170.2 lbs)

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Rabadanov (25-4-2) was supposed to face Jay-Jay Wilson, but with Wilson out of the fight, it’s Lee, briefly linked to the ill-fated GFL, stepping in.

“It’s good opponent. He’s tough, he has good background, former UFC fighter. And I can show people my level,” Rabadanov said during this week’s PFL Wichita media day. “After I beat this guy, people are gonna understand who I am.”

When it comes to the match-up, Rabadanov, on an eleven-fight win streak, believes he has the edge everywhere. “I think I’m more faster than him, and I think my condition is good, is better than him. I saw an interview, he said I’m more stronger, I’m more bigger, but this is not important in a fight. I think I’m better for everything than him.”

Beyond just beating Lee, who once competed for an interim title in the UFC, Gadzhi Rabadanov wants to grow his legacy. “I want to make big legacy. I want people to talk about me,” he stated. “Right now, I feel feel people don’t understand my level, and I want to show, for the whole world, who I am.”

Watch the full PFL Wichita media day appearance by Gadzhi Rabadanov above.

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Lee (20-8) steps in for the injured Jay Jay Wilson in the main event against Rabadanov. It’ll mark his PFL debut in what has been a tough few years for Lee.

In December it was announced that he had signed with the Global Fight League (GFL) and was featured during the league draft. After their first two events were canceled Lee, and all other fighters, were free to sign elsewhere.

Lee last saw action last September where he scored a first round submission victory over Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17. Prior to that he took a decision victory over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 following an 11-8 run in the UFC. The highlight of Lee’s UFC run came against Tony Ferguson at UFC 216 where he fell short of the UFC lightweight interim title.

Rabadanov is PFL’s lightweight champion after beating Brent Primus in last year’s tournament in the final. He last fought in April taking a TKO victory over Marc Diakiese in the first round.

PFL 5 goes down on June 20 in Wichita, Kansas. The card features Gadzhi vs. Lee with the co-main event a flyweight bout between Liz Carmouche and Elora Dana.

The post Kevin Lee Signs With PFL, Steps In To Face Gadzhi Rabadanov appeared first on Cageside Press.

On Wednesday, promotion officials announced the full eight-man line-up for the tournament, expected to kick off this April, via press release. Among the names announced, former Bellator MMA lightweight champion Brent Primus, who also competed in the 2024 tournament and appeared in the final opposite Gadzhi Rabadanov.

Rabadanov, despite having won it all last year, will return to the new-look tournament, which offers $500,000 in prize money to the winner, on top of purses collected throughout the grand prix (previous seasons awarded a cool one million, though that included fight purses).

Bellator alums Alexander Shabliy, Jay Jay Wilson, Mads Burnell, and Alfie Davis are also set to compete. Of note, Wilson is done serving a suspension under both USADA and the NSAC after testing positive for a banned substance, an infraction that was traced back to a contaminated vape pen.

Rounding out the eight fighters that will compete in the win and move on, grand prix-style tournament are UFC vet Marc Diakiese, and multi-time PFL post-season vet Clay Collard.

The line-up breaks down as follows:

• Gadzhi Rabadanov (24-4-2) of Russia
• Alexander Shabliy (24-4) of Russia
• Marc Diakiese (18-7) of England
• Jay Jay Wilson (10-1) of New Zealand
• Mads Burnell (20-6) of Denmark
• Alfie Davis (17-5-1) of England
• Brent Primus (15-4) of U.S.A.
• Clay Collard (25-14) of U.S.A.

Sergio Cossio (27-10-1) of Mexico and Robert Watley (15-3) of the U.S. serve as lightweight alternates. Also announced on Wednesday, Russia’s Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3) and American Jordan Newman (7-0) will be alternates for the middleweight division, the roster of which was revealed earlier this week.

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