MMA
"Gadzhi Rabadanov is at least top five lightweight in the world", explains Khabib Nurmagomedov
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After winning the 2024 World Lightweight Tournament, Gadzhi Rabadanov (26-4-2) tried his luck again in 2025. He will face Alfie Davis (19-5-1) in the final on 15 August. Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke to PFL Origins ahead of the face-off between the two fighters.
"Gadzhi is not only my teammate. He is my brother and I’m very happy for his success. He is at least top five lightweight in the world, explain Khabib. This is best two guys. Alfie Davis, I think, is very dangerous fighter for Gadzhi."
Following Movlid Khaybulaev's (24-0-1, 1 NC) victory in the featherweight world tournament final, Gadzhi Rabadanov now has the chance to bring another belt back to Dagestan.
"This is my goal and this is what drives me. When they become champions. This gives me most important energy, add Khabib Nurmagomedov. Something amazing happens with our team. They are all best fighter in the world. All MMA world knows them."
This is a daunting challenge for Alfie Davis, who defeated Brent Primus by unanimous decision in the semi-finals and did not expect to get this far. If he defeats Gadzhi Rabadanov, he could climb the PFL lightweight rankings, as he explained to the organisation.
"He is one of the best of the world. After I win this, there is no doubt I’m one of the best in the world."
On the other side, Gadzhi Rabadanov is coming off two first-round victories, by KO and TKO respectively, against Marc Diakese and Kevin Lee, two former UFC fighters.
"I understand how this business works. I understand why people pay for watching fights. You have to finish guys."
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