McKee (25-2), once a Bellator featherweight champ, faced off against the previously undefeated Salamat Isbulaev, and battled through three hard-fought rounds to come away with a unanimous decision victory.

It was far from easy. A competitive scrap saw the pair both have their moments on the feet, while McKee appeared to have the advantage in several thrilling grappling exchanges. The American was sporting a cut over one eyebrow in the end, though Isbulaev was cut as well. Luckily, neither wound had any direct impact on the action, with the bout going the full 15 minutes.

Triplicate 30-27 scores outlined just how successful AJ McKee was in the bout, though Isbulaev was never fully out of it. Afterwards, McKee admitted that he had “underestimated” his opponent, referring to him as a champion.

It’s reclaiming gold that is on McKee’s mind next however, and he called for just that following the win. The PFL’s 145lb title sits vacant, and only Timur Khizriev, #1 at featherweight, sits ahead of AJ McKee.

The 31-year old was joined in the winner’s circle on Saturday by a familiar face to fight fans. Liz Carmouche also made her case for a title shot undeniable at PFL San Diego, though that’s not what the #2-ranked women’s flyweight called for at the end of the night.

Carmouche (26-8), a former Bellator flyweight champ, as well as a title challenger in both Strikeforce and the UFC, won the 2025 PFL World Tournament, and found herself paired up with fellow UFC vet Viviane Araujo at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA. The bout saw Araujo and Carmouche spend plenty of time clinched up along the fence, but in the second round, it was “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche hitting a guillotine choke and forcing the tap.

At age 42, Carmouche has looked as good as ever, with just PFL promotional darling Dakota Ditcheva perched ahead of her in the rankings. The British star skipped the World Tournament last year, and has been out with injury; she’s set to return against Denise Kielholtz later this summer.

Should she win, Ditcheva vs. Carmouche for the vacant women’s 125lb title seems like a no-brainer. Yet in the cage on Saturday, Carmouche called for something she’s desired for a long time: a shot at a second title, at bantamweight. Neither Bellator nor the PFL have featured a women’s bantamweight division, and Carmouche very much wants to lead one.

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The winner of the bout should be lined up for a championship engagement, given the league’s 145lb title sits vacant. The San Diego card, meanwhile, is the first of six big shows in eight weeks for the PFL, which will make stops in Austin, TX, Washington, DC, and New York coming up.

In the night’s co-headliner on Saturday, former UFC title challenger and Bellator MMA women’s flyweight champion Liz Carmouche was in action, taking on Viviane Araujo. Carmouche, who fought for a Strikeforce title early in her career, had won the PFL World Tournament in 2025; Araujo was looking to build off a win over Shanna Young in her promotional debut just a few months back.

Where to Watch PFL San Diego

PFL San Diego takes place on Saturday, June 27 at the Pechanga Arena San Diego in San Diego, CA. The card airs live on the ESPN App and ESPN2 (main card only) in the U.S. Full results can be found below. The action kicks off at 8PM ET, 5PM PT.

PFL San Diego: McKee vs. Isbulaev Results

Main Card

AJ McKee def. Salamat Isbulaev by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Liz Carmouche def. Viviane Araújo by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:07
Alexander Shabliy def. Alfie Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Rob Wilkinson def. Abraham Bably by TKO, Round 2, 3:23

Preliminary Card

Khasan Magomedshairpov def. Josh Weems by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 1, 2:10
Jena Bishop def. Ariane Lipski da Silva by submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 4:08
Sarvarjon Khamidov def. Justin Wetzell by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:11
Shannon Clark def. Ilara Joanne by TKO, Round 3, 1:43
Cobey Fehr def. Daniel Bzdigian by submission (Anaconda choke), Round 1, 2:00

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On Friday morning the PFL conducted the weigh ins for their return to Southern California as the athletes took to the scales to make their bouts official.

In the headliner, former Bellator champion AJ McKee faces the undefeated newcomer Salamat Isbulaev who enters the bout following a victory over former tournament champion Jesus Pinedo. PFL CEO John Martin recently expressed in interviews that the winner between McKee and Isbulaev will most likely fight for the vacant title in their next bout.

The undercard also features action in the women’s flyweight division as former longtime Bellator champion Liz Carmouche takes on fellow UFC veteran Viviane Araujo while another UFC veteran in Ariane da Silva takes on perennial contender Jena Bishop.

In other action, former Bellator Grand Prix finalist Alexandr Shabliy will face recent title challenger Alfie Davis to round out the main card.

The event will take place at the Pechanga Sports Arena in San Diego tomorrow night.

PFL San Diego: McKee vs. Isbulaev Weigh-In Results

Main card

Featherweight: AJ McKee (145.6) vs. Salamat Isbulaev (145.8)
Flyweight: Liz Carmouche (126) vs. Viviane Araujo (125.8)
Lightweight: Alexandr Shabliy (155.8) vs. Alfie Davis (156)
Light-Heavyweight: Abraham Bably (205.6) vs. Rob Wilkinson (205.8)

Preliminary card

Featherweight: Khasan Magomedsharipov (145.8) vs. Joshua Weems (146)
Flyweight: Ariane Lipski da Silva (126) vs. Jena Bishop (125)
Bantamweight: Justin Wetzell (135.6) vs. Sarvarjon Khamidov (137.6)*
Flyweight: Shannon Clark (125.4) vs. Ilara Joanne (124.8)
Bantamweight: Cobey Fehr (135.8) vs. Daniel Bzdigian (135.6)

* Missed weight

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Carmouche (25-8) will face fellow UFC alum Viviane Araujo (13-7) in the co-main event of PFL San Diego on June 27, 2026, promotion officials announced on Wednesday. The card takes place at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

“The Girl-Rilla” is Louisiana born but called San Diego home for years, fighting out of the San Diego Combat Academy. The PFL World Tournament winner, former Bellator MMA women’s flyweight champion and UFC title challenger has more recently called Tennessee home, but has continued to train both in San Diego and Virginia as well.

Last year, Carmouche, who turned 42 in February, went on a three-fight tear to defeat Ilara Joanne, Elora Dana, and BJJ star Jena Bishop to claim the PFL’s World Tournament crown at flyweight. Most then widely suspected a fight with #1 ranked flyweight and promotional darling Dakota Ditcheva, but that has not yet come to pass.

Ditcheva had been paired up with Denise Kielholtz in February, but was forced out of the fight due to injury.

Instead, Carmouche gets the #8-ranked women’s flyweight in the PFL, with Liz herself sitting at #2. Araujo made her PFL debut earlier this month, earning a unanimous decision over Shanna Young.

PFL San Diego is headlined by a featherweight match-up featuring the #2-ranked AJ McKee taking on #6-ranked Salamat Isbulaev.

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The pair were also former training partners, adding a little twist to the women’s flyweight World Tournament final.

Carmouche, with vastly more MMA experience, circled outside early, forcing Bishop to chase her. Two minutes in, Bishop fired an overhand, changed levels, and moved in for a takedown, eating a right hand on her entry. Carmouche, back to the cage, fought off the attempt, and remained standing, at least for the time being, though Jena was able to secure a body lock.

Round two did see the pair go to the ground, but it was Carmouche who got on top. Bishop, a highly decorated jiu-jitsu talent, was not deterred, locking up an arm-bar off her back. Carmouche hoisted her up and slammed her, but Bishop didn’t let to. She transitioned to a triangle, and added elbows on top of that! Carmouche, however, refused to be put away and would escape, soon attempting a triangle on her own. It was back on the feet where she was able to do damage however, landing a standing elbow before Bishop tied things up with a clinch.

The next trip to the canvas saw Jena Bishop hunting a leg lock, but she didn’t have it. Returning to the feet, Carmouche would start teeing off, though the round was over moments later.

Round three started with a slightly slower pace, but that didn’t matter when Carmouche exploded halfway through the round. Carmouche tagged Bishop, who rolled over backwards off the crushing right hand. Carmouche stayed right on her, dropping hammerfists on the fallen Bishop until the ref waved things off!

With that, Liz Carmouche had the PFL World Tournament women’s flyweight championship, claiming a belt in a second major promotion, though it’s Dakota Ditcheva who will no doubt be in her sights next.

Official Result: Liz Carmouche def. Jena Bishop by TKO, Round 3, 2:56

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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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Carmouche (24-8) has gone from Strikeforce to Invicta to the UFC to Bellator and now the PFL, and at 41 is one of the most recognizable names on the women’s side of MMA. During this week’s PFL Charlotte media day, she spoke about being invested in the future of the PFL, in part because of their willingness to give female fighters equal opportunities.

“It’s really important in trying to cultivate an opportunity for women to succeed, and to do it in a male dominated support, to show them that success, dreams, all that is possible with hard work,” stated Carmouche. “I see PFL being able to help women achieve that. Investing in the future of women, treating them equally with men. There aren’t very many organizations that are doing that, and there’s even less where women can make a living doing this. I’m all about PFL and what they’re doing with women.”

It’s worth noting that some of the PFL’s biggest stars past and present, from Kayla Harrison to Larissa Pacheco to Dakota Ditcheva, have been women.

Jena Bishop has far less experience than Carmouche in MMA proper, but the former UFC title challenger and Bellator MMA champion noted that the tables turn when you factor in her opponent’s jiu-jitsu background.

“What Jena can say over me is that she’s been a black belt almost as long as I’ve been training and fighting professional,” noted Carmouche. “As much as she’s gotten into the game of mixed martial arts later, not in terms of one of the aspects of of martial arts. In that, she has more ground that I do, and it’s just kind of putting those pieces together of MMA that she’s bringing into it.”

Watch Liz Carmouche’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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Carmouche did what Carmouche does and worked to cause damage early with her elbows. Dana eventually got back to her feet, but not until after Carmouche had already landed enough to cause a large hematoma to the forehead. After the fight got back to the feet, both women traded shots to finish off the round.

In the second round, there were lots of shots traded, and the fight stayed on the feet for the most part. After positioning her opponent up against the cage, Carmouche got the fight to the ground once again, landing more ground and pound but ultimately controlling her opponent and dominating the round. After getting back up with about ten seconds left in the round, Dana ate a punishing three-piece combination.

The final round emulated a lot of what we saw in Round 2 with both fighters trading on the feet for the first half of the round. Both fighters were looking for the big moment but later in the round, Carmouche was able to stuff Dana up against the cage to do some work in the clinch where she was able to use the last bit of energy she had to control Dana and land her shots up tight. After both fighters broke free in the last twenty seconds, Carmouche completely unloaded and came very close to connecting cleanly with the huge shots she was coming forward with.

Two former Bellator flyweights in Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop will now meet in the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals this August.

Official Result: Liz Carmouche def. Elora Dana by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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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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