The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns to Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai this Saturday for its first major event of 2026.
The lightweight and welterweight titles will be on the line as the promotion embarks on a new era, having discarded its tournament format and recently introduced its own rankings.
Let’s take a look at the fights making up the main card at PFL: Road to Dubai this Saturday night.
Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alfie Davis – PFL Lightweight Championship
This Saturday’s main event pits two sharply contrasting lightweights against each other as undefeated champion Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0) defends his lightweight title against the dangerous winner of the 2025 PFL Global Tournament, Alfie Davis (20-5-1).
Nurmagomedov enters as the division’s gold standard: composed, technically airtight, and relentlessly effective in his wrestling-to-striking transitions. His suffocating top control and improving stand-up have made him almost untouchable inside the SmartCage.
Davis, however, represents a credible threat. A seasoned finisher with explosive power and creative offense, the London native thrives in chaos and carries the kind of one-shot stopping ability that can flip a fight instantly.
Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs. Shamil Musaev – Vacant PFL Welterweight Championship
The co-main event crowns a new champion as former Bellator titleholder Ramazan Kuramagomedov (13-0) and 2024 PFL tournament winner Shamil Musaev (20-0-1) collide for the vacant PFL Welterweight Championship.
Kuramagomedov arrives as one of the division’s most disciplined tacticians, blending smothering grappling with patient, efficient striking. His ability to dictate tempo and neutralize opponents’ strengths has been the foundation of his unbeaten run.
Aggressive, physically imposing, and dangerous in every phase, Musaev thrives when fights turn urgent. He presses forward with intent, looking to overwhelm opponents and force mistakes rather than win on the margins.
Abdoul Abdouraguimov vs. Kendly St. Louis – Welterweight
Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov (19-1) meets Kendly St. Louis (11-5) in a welterweight matchup that promises intensity from the opening bell. Abdouraguimov brings dogged pressure and aggessive grappling, aiming to wear opponents down with pace and control.
St. Louis is a renowned gunslinger, looking to keep the fight upright and capitalize on speed and timing. If Abdouraguimov can close distance early, he’ll dictate terms; if St. Louis finds space, his explosiveness could swing the fight fast.
Jesus Pinedo vs. Salamat Isbulaev – Featherweight
2023 PFL Global Tournament winner Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1) faces unbeaten promotional newcomer Salamat Isbulaev (9-0) in a featherweight clash of pace versus precision. Pinedo is a proven finisher with fast hands and an aggressive rhythm, capable of ending fights in an instant. Isbulaev, meanwhile, brings composure and structure. Expect Pinedo to push the action early, while Isbulaev looks to slow the fight, manage range, and impose his game over time.
Pouya Rahmani vs. Karl Williams – Heavyweight
Pouya Rahmani (5-0) and Karl Williams (10-4) square off in a fascinating heavyweight bout in Saturday’s main card opener. Rahmani made a breathtaking promotional debut when he flatlined Slim Trabelsi at the PFL’s last visit to Dubai in October, while former UFC star Williams is in search of his first victory since he beat Justin Tafa inside the Octagon almost two years ago.
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Amru Magomedov vs. Kolton Englund – Lightweight
- Taylor Lapilus vs. Kasum Kasumov – Bantamweight
- Renat Khavalov vs. Edgars Skrivers – Featherweight
- Amin Ayoub vs. Makkasharip Zaynukov – Lightweight
- Denise Kielholtz vs. Antonia Silvaneide – Women’s Flyweight
- Luke Trainer vs. Rob Wilkinson – Light Heavyweight
- Khabib Nabiev vs. Ahmed Sami – Light Heavyweight
- Haider Khan vs. Jhony Gregory - Middleweight
