Khabib Nurmagomedov Criticizes Judges After Upset in PFL Finals

Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed his dissatisfaction with the judges’ decision following a significant upset in the PFL World Tournament lightweight finals on August 16, 2025. In a surprising turn of events, Alfie Davis defeated Gadzhi Rabadanov, ending his impressive 12-fight winning streak and claiming victory through a unanimous decision.

The final match, held in North Carolina, showcased a clash of contrasting fighting styles that had fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. Rabadanov, considered one of the top lightweights, entered the fight with high expectations after securing his finals spot with two consecutive first-round finishes. However, once the bout began, it became clear that Davis had other plans.

Unexpected Turn of Events

As the fight progressed to the scorecards, Davis emerged as the victor, with all three judges awarding him the fight by scoring all three rounds in his favor. The result was met with disbelief, not only from fans but also from Davis himself. In a post-fight interview, he admitted, “No, I thought I was out in the first round to be honest with you. I was thinking, if I lose this, I’ll just retire.” His unexpected victory marks a pivotal moment in his career.

Following the announcement of the results, Khabib Nurmagomedov took to social media to voice his concerns about the judging. The former UFC lightweight champion wrote on his Instagram story, “I never understood how the judges calculated. Keep your head up junior,” referring to his teammate Rabadanov. This statement highlights the ongoing frustrations athletes feel regarding the judging process in competitive fighting.

A New Champion Emerges

Davis, who entered the tournament as a significant underdog, noted that he never anticipated reaching the finals, let alone winning the championship. His journey through the PFL World Tournament has been remarkable, as he overcame numerous challenges to claim the title. Despite his initial plans to retire, Davis now finds himself at the pinnacle of his sport, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see what comes next for the newly crowned champion.

The upset not only alters the trajectory of Davis’s career but also raises questions about the future of Rabadanov, who will need to regroup following this unexpected defeat. As the dust settles on this thrilling event, the PFL continues to capture the attention of combat sports fans worldwide, proving that anything can happen in the octagon.