Davis Shocks Rabadanov, Eyes PFL Lightweight Title

Alfie Davis Shocks and Conquers the PFL Lightweight World Tournament

British lightweight fighter Alfie Davis starred in an impressive victory at the 2025 PFL Lightweight World Tournament, defeating Gadzhi Rabadanov last Friday. After his triumph, Davis expressed his desire to compete for the PFL lightweight championship. Davis (20-5-1) defeated Rabadanov (26-5-2) by unanimous decision, with scores of 48-47. The 155-pound fight was the main event of the tournament held at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I want the winner of the fight between Hughes and Nurmagomedov, and then I want to put that belt in the 2026 world tournament next year.

Alfie Davis

The current PFL format distinguishes the World Tournament from the lightweight championship. This means that Davis won the tournament and the $500,000 prize, but is not considered the promotion’s champion nor is guaranteed a title shot. Davis considers the current structure “confusing” and wants to take the title to the tournament. His performance on Friday was outstanding, especially considering that Rabadanov was the favorite. Davis defended Rabadanov’s takedowns well, keeping the fight standing at crucial moments and preventing the Russian from causing damage from the top position.

Liz Carmouche Crowned in Women’s Flyweight

In the co-main event, 41-year-old Liz Carmouche (25-8) became the PFL champion by knocking out Jena Bishop (9-3) with a left hook in the third round. Carmouche, a former Bellator MMA champion, reached the playoffs of the 2024 PFL season but lost to Taila Santos. Carmouche is the most prominent figure in the PFL’s 125-pound roster who has yet to fight rising star Dakota Ditcheva (15-0). Ditcheva won the 2024 PFL tournament and has a 1-0 record this year, with a victory over Sumiko Inaba in July. Ditcheva signed a contract extension with the PFL before her victory over Inaba, and Carmouche took the opportunity after the fight to request a match between them. Ditcheva is recovering from a hand injury sustained in her last fight.

Marcirley Alves Wins the Bantamweight Title

In a third final of the PFL World Tournament, Marcirley Alves (15-4) defeated Justin Wetzell (12-3) by unanimous decision in the bantamweight category.