Davis Upsets Defending Champion
Britain’s Alfie Davis stunned reigning champion Gadzhi Rabadanov to win the PFL lightweight tournament by unanimous decision in Charlotte, North Carolina. London’s Davis landed the more effective strikes, with all three judges scoring it 48-47 in his favour.
Emotional Victory and Prize Money
Overcome with emotion as the result was announced, Davis claimed the $500,000 (£369,000) prize, describing it as “life-changing.” He becomes the third Briton to win an annual PFL tournament, following featherweight Brendan Loughnane in 2022 and women’s flyweight Dakota Ditcheva last year.
Davis Reflects on the Win
“I’ve worked so hard for this,” Davis said. “To be a champion like Gadzhi, I respect him and have watched him for so many years. To beat someone like that is a dream come true.”
Road to the Final
Davis reached the final after enjoying the peak of his 11-year career with wins over Clay Collard and Brent Primus. He faced a tough challenge in Russia’s 32-year-old Rabadanov, last year’s champion on a 12-fight win streak.
Confidence and Charisma on Display
Davis admitted to past struggles with confidence but has overcome them with a series of strong performances. He danced his way to the cage, introduced as having “charisma that can be seen from space.”
The Fight Unfolds
After a tentative first round, Rabadanov gained control with a takedown and ground dominance. Davis fought back in the third round, landing several counter strikes and an impressive spinning elbow as the crowd chanted his name. He spent the fourth round on his back after another takedown by Rabadanov.
Final Round Seals the Win
With advice from his team to “win this round, change your life,” Davis delivered in the fifth, landing the more damaging strikes. Confident of victory, he celebrated around the cage before calling for the winner of Russia’s Usman Nurmagomedov and Irishman Paul Hughes.
