Gadzhi Rabadanov is set to face Alex Chizov in the co-main event of PFL Sioux Falls on May 2nd. Rabadanov, the second-ranked lightweight contender in the PFL, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming bout with Chizov, a PFL Europe champion he described as a “very tough guy.”
Reflecting on a previous setback against Alfie Davis in August, which he characterized as a “bulls**t fight,” Rabadanov admitted to a mistake but emphasized his desire for a rematch. He stated that if he defeats Alex Chizov, he intends to formally request a second fight with Davis.
“A lot of things [are] going to happen, but I don’t want to talk about this because this like excuse, you know,” Rabadanov said when asked about the specifics of the Davis fight. “I don’t like excuse. This not about me, and we have what we have, you know. We will see, but if they going to give me rematch, I’ll show people, and I broke this guy. I believe if I help it, if I’m ready, I broke this guy. Finish this guy. We will see.”
Team Khabib’s Strength and PFL Champion Dilemma
Rabadanov also spoke about the benefits of training with the renowned Team Khabib, highlighting the presence of numerous champions from various promotions. He believes this elite environment demonstrates that they are “the best team in the world.”
Regarding the PFL’s current structure, which no longer features a tournament format and has a single champion, Rabadanov finds himself in a unique position. The PFL lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, is his teammate and close friend. Consequently, Rabadanov stated that he cannot currently discuss a title fight due to this relationship. He is focused on his immediate opponent, Alex Chizov.
Rabadanov shared his positive outlook on the PFL’s shift away from tournaments. He believes the current ranking system and singular champion model are “much better for fans, for fighters, for everybody” and that the system is now clearer for everyone to understand.
