Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 9 | Finals

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The Professional Fighters League on Friday will move forward with PFL 2025 World Tournament 9 on Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. With champions having already been crowned in two weight classes, attention turns to handing out titles in the lightweight, bantamweight and women’s flyweight divisions.

Reigning PFL lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov looks to claim his second straight title at 155 pounds when he locks horns with Alfie Davis for a $500,000 grand prize in the main event. Meanwhile, Liz Carmouche attempts to add to her already formidable resume in the co-headliner, where Jena Bishop awaits in the women’s flyweight final. Deeper into the draw, explosive knockout artist Marcirley Alves takes on the surging Justin Wetzell for the bantamweight championship.

Now to the PFL 2025 World Tournament 9 preview:

PFL Lightweight Final

Alfie Davis (19-5-1, 2-1 PFL) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (26-4-2, 7-0 PFL)

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament Finals LIVE Friday, Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

It’s rare to see a fighter improve so noticeably with every fight, but Rabadanov is an exception. The Dagestan native has always had respectable grappling, but his wrestling-heavy style didn’t earn him many fans as a prospect in Bellator MMA. Rabadanov’s striking was disciplined and efficient but viewed as a means to an end, setting up his takedowns and submission attempts. When he made his PFL debut in April 2024 against Solomon Renfo, it was clear that he would have to improve his striking or risk falling victim to the promotion’s big punchers. What happened next was a metamorphosis. Rabadanov transformed from a wrestler to a knockout artist seemingly overnight and now has four straight knockouts to show for it. Brutally stopping Brent Primus in the 2024 final elevated his stock to newfound levels and helped him cement himself as one of the best lightweights outside of the UFC. Since winning the title, Rabadanov has carried himself with confidence and walked through everybody in his way. However, that isn’t saying much. A first-round knockout over Marc Diakiese was undoubtedly an impressive win, but in no world should Rabadanov have fought an aging, washed Kevin Lee in the semifinals. Lee was wobbled by the first jab Rabadanov landed and was battered around the ring effortlessly in a lopsided matchup. With that said, Rabadanov handled his business and should have no wear and tear heading into the championship.

Unlike Lee, Davis will show up ready to compete. The London native has never been knocked out and has only been submitted once in his career. Throughout a solid run in Bellator, Davis was routinely matched against tough opponents, including Alexandr Shabliy, Tim Wilde and Aalon Cruz, but he couldn’t break through to a title shot. That all changed this season after Davis put forth two of the best performances of his career. First, he became the first man in the PFL to stop fan favorite Clay Collard. He then upset Primus on the scorecards in the semifinals. In both fights, Davis’ spinning elbow was the shot that turned the tide in his favor. While Davis isn’t a devastating finisher, he does have a solid all-around game, with the athleticism to pull off spinning attacks.

While Davis’ title run has been admirable, Rabadanov could arguably be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the PFL tournament this season. He has a relentless gas tank and the grappling skills to nullify offense and impose his will, and he has now paired that with merciless, heavy-handed combinations. However, Davis’ ability to surprise Rabandaov can’t be overlooked. It only takes one punch to flip a fight, and Davis does have the creativity needed to find an opening. If Rabadanov decides to wrestle and revert to his traditional base, that could make things difficult for the Englishman. Rabadanov has five rounds to dispatch Davis, and there’s no need to go out gunning early by risking a potential knockout. If Rabadanov drains Davis’ battery, the likelihood of the Brit landing those shots will dwindle and open potential opportunities for big punches. There are too many paths to victory for the Dagestani in this one. Expect a spectacular finish.



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Davis vs. Rabadanov
Bishop vs. Carmouche
Alves vs. Wetzell
Burnell vs. Watley
The Prelims