KUUMAR SHYAM (DUBAI)
Usman Nurmagomedov defended his PFL lightweight world title at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night, overcoming a spirited challenge from Britain’s Alfie Davis to extend his unblemished professional record to 22 victories.
The 27-year-old champion ended the contest towards the end of the third round, picking his moment to pin down a speedy opponent in Davis with precision.
The build-up to the main fight on a card, which included seven fighters from Team Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp, was all about Usman coming into the fight after an unconvincing win against Paul Hughes in October.
And the Briton Davis, known for his unpredictable striking, tried to cast aspersions on his Russian opponent by calling him a “posh boy” as well as claiming that he is a drug cheat.
Reflecting on the encounter, Nurmagomedov admitted Davis’ aggressive kicks presented a challenge. “The speed of the fight was very surprising. His kicks were fast, he was moving a lot, and it was very difficult to catch him. I was not sure to go straight to knock him down or fight in his territory. I just had to take his back to finish the fight early,” he said.
The presence of former lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner provided his cousin with valuable guidance on a night when the Nurmagomedov camp was heavily represented.
Davis had come into the fight beating Usman’s compatriot Gadzhi Rabadanov and had vowed to prove that his Nurmagomedov rival was overrated in Dubai.
With seven fighters from the team competing on the Dubai card, the champion also joked that his job was made easier by the efficiency of his teammate ahead of him, Amru Magomedov, so he could have mentor Khabib all to himself come crunch time.
“Amru [Magomedov] made the job easier by finishing quickly. It was his debut so congratulations to him for finishing early … We are always glad to have him [Khabib],” an unscathed Usman said with a wry smile.
The bout began with Nurmagomedov watching out for Davis, using his legs to keep the Briton at bay. Once the fight hit the canvas with about 30 seconds to go in the final round, the champion got into a position that merged elements of an arm-triangle and a rear-naked choke.
"I won how I planned, I made him tired, I made him work, I made him grapple and the win was going to come," said Nurmagomedov.
The victory marks Nurmagomedov’s fifth successful title defence, further solidifying his position as the premier lightweight in the PFL promotion.
The event, held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, drew a star-studded crowd including former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who made a public appearance after being injured in a deadly car crash in December in Nigeria.