Usman Nurmagomedov is still the lightweight king of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after a calculated performance ended in a decisive finish at PFL Dubai!
Facing Alfie Davis in the main event, Nurmagomedov weathered a competitive striking start before turning the fight into the type of contest he wanted all along.
Early exchanges saw both men trading kicks, and Davis initially defended the first takedown attempt well.
But once Nurmagomedov began chaining his wrestling with pressure, the fight started to shift as, after getting the bout to the mat, the Dagestani champion controlled from half guard and chipped away with short punches.
Round two featured close calls on the feet – Davis narrowly missed a spinning back kick & punch combination…
But Nurmagomedov continued targeting the legs and body to slow his opponent’s movement.
The third round became the turning point.
Nurmagomedov secured a clean takedown and maintained top control while landing short strikes.
After a referee stand-up due to inactivity, he quickly re-engaged, landing a body kick during a Davis punch exchange, forcing another takedown.
This time, he advanced to the back and locked in a Rear Naked Choke, putting Davis unconscious.
After the win, Nurmagomedov confirmed the finish unfolded exactly as intended:
I win how I planned. And it was simple plan.
Make him tired, make him work, wrestle and grapple, and then finish him on the ground.
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV CHOKES OUT ALFIE DAVIS TO DEFEND THE TITLE 😱🏆#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | 📺Streaming on the ESPN App: https://t.co/dT2Kk7I7VV pic.twitter.com/8CZn9bJScR
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 7, 2026
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