The bout, which took place at the PFL 9 tournament in New York City, ended with Magomedkerimov winning by unanimous 30-27 three-round decision. The Russian’s opponent for the semifinals was originally supposed to be his compatriot Magomed Umalatov, who for unknown reasons withdrew from the fight ten days before the event and was replaced by the American.
The second finalist in the welterweight grand prix was Sweden’s Sadibu Say, who won a split decision over Brazil’s Carlos Miranda in the semifinal match.
The event also decided the season’s lightweight finalists, who were American Clay Collard and Canadian Olivier Aubin-Mercier. The former won a unanimous decision over Shane Burgos, while the latter finished Bruno Miranda by technical knockout in the second round.
The final bouts of the current season will take place on November 24 in New York City, and the winners will each receive one million dollars along with their championship belts.
All PFL 9: 2023 season results.