Unbeaten lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is set to defend his PFL crown against Britain's Alfie Davis in a highly anticipated title clash. The bout is scheduled for 7 February at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, where the Russian phenom will risk his perfect professional record.
The Champion's Path
Usman Nurmagomedov brings his formidable 20-0 record into this championship defence following two hard-fought victories against Northern Ireland's Paul Hughes earlier this year. The 27-year-old champion secured a majority decision win in January before claiming a unanimous decision in their October rematch, though many spectators believed Hughes had done enough to win the second encounter.
Despite maintaining his unbeaten status, both contests against Hughes proved intensely competitive, demonstrating that even dominant champions can be pushed to their limits. Now, Nurmagomedov faces a fresh challenge from across the British Isles.
The British Challenger's Momentum
Alfie Davis enters this title opportunity riding a significant wave of momentum. The 33-year-old English fighter boasts a 20-5-1 professional record and arrives in Dubai having won his last three contests, all within 2025.
Davis's impressive year began with a first-round stoppage of Clay Collard in April, followed by decision victories against Brent Primus in June and Gadzhi Rabadanov in August. This consistent performance has positioned him as a legitimate threat to Nurmagomedov's championship reign.
PFL Leadership Weighs In
PFL CEO John Martin acknowledged the significance of this matchup, stating: "Usman Nurmagomedov is an undefeated and dominant superstar who will mark his third appearance as the headliner in Dubai, but this time a fresh challenge awaits him in the opposite corner. Alfie Davis continually defies the odds, and will look to do it once more on the biggest stage."
The stage is now set for a compelling championship battle between an undefeated Russian champion and a determined British contender looking to claim PFL gold in the Middle East.
