Rob Wilkinson had one of the most memorable PFL debut seasons in 2022, running through all four of his opponents with finishes to clinch that year’s PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship. Wilkinson, who became the first Tasmanian to win a major MMA world championship, was unable to defend his PFL world title in 2023 due to suspension. Wilkinson returned to form this season, however, with a first-round TKO of Tom Breese and a decision win over Josh Silveira, and Wilkinson finds himself two steps away from regaining PFL gold.

 

Dovlet Yagshimuradov started his career by competing in several countries throughout Europe and Asia, going on to capture regional light heavyweight gold before signing with Bellator in 2021. After a 3-2 record there, Yagshimuradov, a Sambo expert with 17 of 23 wins coming via stoppage, made his way over to the PFL following its acquisition of Bellator. Yagshimuradov enters tonight with a five-fight win streak, scoring a first-round finish of Jakob Nedoh and a decision win over Simon Biyong.

 

Who will be the first Light Heavyweight participant in the 2024 PFL World Championship?

 

 

Round 1

 

Wilkinson starts with a left jab. Yagshimuradov misses a low kick as Wilkinson bounces around the outside. Wilkinson lands again. Wilkinson comes forward. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov misses a left hand. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Jab from Wilkinson. Yagshimuradov lands a right hand. Low kick from Wilkinson. Front kick to the midsection by Yagshimuradov. Low kick from Wilkinson. Left hand from Yagshimuradov. Now it’s Yagshimuradov on the outside. Yagshimuradov catches Wilkinson coming in. Low kick from Wilkinson. High kick from Yagshimuradov does not land.

 

The two start to exchange, both men landing in range. Heavy leg kick from Wilkinson. Strong one-two from Yagshimuradov backs up Wilkinson. Low kick from Wilkinson. Yagshimuradov shoots in with the closing seconds, but Wilkinson counters with a guillotine attempt. Yagshimuradov abandons the takedown attempt. Wilkinson with a combination. Yagshimuradov pressures Wilkinson to the fence before the bell.

 

 

Round 2

 

Wilkinson flashing his left hand. Wilkinson coming forward again. Wilkinson flashes a kick. Low kick from Wilkinson. Front kick from Yagshimuradov, but Wilkinson lands a left hand simultaneously. Yagshimuradov with a check hook. Left hand from Wilkinson. Soft round kick from Wilkinson. Wilkinson shows the left hand again. Lead hook kick from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov misses a right hand.

 

Both men throw low kicks. Left hook from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov with jabs that are connecting. Overhand right connects from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov comes in with a left hand. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Wilkinson tries to come forward with a flurry, pressuring Yagshimuradov. But Yagshimuradov gets himself off the fence with a powerful right hand that just misses. Wilkinson lands a jab. Wilkinson landing low kicks. High kick lands on the jaw of Wilkinson! Yagshimuradov goes for a takedown, but Wilkinson gets him off. Wilkinson throws a couple of flurries, including a strong left hook.

 

 

 

Round 3

 

Jabs landed from both men. Low kick from Wilkinson. Another low kick from Wilkinson. Left hand lands for Yagshimuradov. Combination from Yagshimuradov. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Straights land from both men. Hook lands for Yagshimuradov with Wilkinson coming in. Wilkinson lands a pair of left hands. Both exchange combinations.

 

Two left hands and a low front kick from Wilkinson. One-two from Yagshimuradov connects strongly. Front kick to the body by Yagshimuradov. One-two from Yagshimuradov. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Front kick by Wilkinson. One-two by Wilkinson backs Yagshimuradov up. Yagshimuradov with a one-two. Low kick missed for Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov level changes, but Wilkinson defends the takedown. Yagshimuradov throws a knee. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Wilkinson with a one-two. Yagshimuradov swings away to the bell.

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Dovlet Yagshimuradov defeats Rob Wilkinson by unanimous decision (30-27x3) in the PFL Light Heavyweight semifinals, earning a spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship. He will face the winner of Impa Kasanganay vs. Josh Silveira for the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight World Title and $1 million

  • Yagshimuradov wins his 6th straight fight and qualifies for the PFL World Championship in his first PFL season
  • Yagshimuradov is a former ACA Light Heavyweight Champion
  • Yagshimuradov is the first fighter representing Turkmenistan to qualify for the Championship