Davis Clinches PFL Tournament Victory, Joins Elite British Trio

Alfie Davis of Britain delivered a significant upset in the MMA arena, securing a unanimous decision against defending champion Gadzhi Rabadanov in Charlotte on Friday.

The judges were in agreement, scoring the contest 48-47 for Davis. The London native impressed with a spirited display, winning admirers through more telling strikes in what was a close and captivating fight.

Visibly moved following the announcement, Davis hailed the USD 500,000 prize as ‘life-changing.’ He acknowledged struggling to articulate his emotions after the career-defining win.

“I don’t know what to say, the effort I’ve put in for this has been immense. To share the stage with a champion like Gadzhi, whom I deeply respect and have followed for years, alongside his exceptional team, is an honor. Overcoming someone of his caliber is a dream come true,” Davis expressed.

Davis’s path to the final was marked by impressive victories over Clay Collard and Brent Primus.

His confrontation with Rabadanov, the 2024 titleholder, presented a stern test, given Rabadanov’s prior 12-fight win streak and status as the clear favourite.

Following a tentative opening round, Rabadanov seized the initiative with takedowns and effective ground control. However, Davis gradually shifted the momentum in the third round, landing impactful counter-strikes, including a memorable spinning elbow.

Despite Rabadanov’s dominance on the ground in the fourth round, Davis countered in the fifth with relentless striking and accurate combinations, ultimately sealing his triumph.

This victory positions Davis as the third British fighter to secure a PFL tournament title, alongside Brendan Loughnane and Dakota Ditcheva. His achievement represents a major landmark in his career and establishes him as a noteworthy presence on the global MMA stage.