Debuting on the pro scene in 2012, Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov made his mark on the regional scene in both Europe and Asia, going on to capture a regional light heavyweight championship. Yagshimuradov signed with Bellator in 2021, going 3-2 in the promotion. The Sambo specialist finds himself on a four-fight win streak, including a first-round finish of 2023 PFL Europe champion Jakob Nedoh to mark a successful PFL debut in April.

 

Simon Biyong has won nine of the 13 fights he’s had since turning pro in 2017. The striking specialist, with seven finishes, is a former regional light heavyweight champion. After going 2-2 in Bellator, Biyong made his PFL debut in April, losing to Antonio Carlos Jr.

 

Yagshimuradov clinches a playoff spot with a win; meanwhile, Biyong needs a first-round finish for any chance to make it in.

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Yagshimuradov and a right hand from Biyong. Another couple of low kicks from Yagshimuradov. High kick from Biyong is blocked. Clash of low kicks, and Yagshimuradov gives another. High kick lands for Biyong. Spinning back kick lands to the chest of Biyong. Low kick from Biyong. Front kick from Biyong misses. Front kick from Yagshimuradov misses. Left hand and an overhand right from Yagshimuradov. Low kick from Biyong. Biyong misses a three-punch combination. Low kick misses for Yagshimuradov.

 

Yagshimuradov comes in with a left, and Biyong lands a right. Yagshimuradov, however, lands a low kick. Front kick from Biyong. Another low kick from Yagshimuradov. Spinning backfist lands for Yagshimuradov on Biyong’s shoulder. One-two missed by Biyong. Spinning back kick misses for Yagshimuradov, and Biyong responds with a right hand. Biyong with a body lock. Knee up the middle for Yagshimuradov. Biyong misses a right hand on the break. Yagshimuradov lands an overhand.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Front kick from Biyong. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Biyong misses a spinning back fist. A couple of right hands from Biyong as he tries to chase Yagshimuradov down. Body kick by Yagshimuradov. High kick from Biyong doesn’t connect. Left hand from Yagshimuradov. Right hand from Biyong. Right hand to the body by Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov with the body lock, pressing Biyong against the fence.

 

Halfway through the round, and we get a reset in the center of the SmartCage. Yagshimuradov with the low kick. Biyong with a low kick. Biyong misses a one-two. Biyong catches a calf kick. Yagshimuradov pressing Biyong into the SmartCage again. Yagshimuradov throws knees, and one lands to the groin of Biyong. Biyong with a couple of hooks upon the fight’s resumption. Yagshimuradov misses an overhand right. One-two from Biyong. Yagshimuradov scores a takedown in the closing seconds.

 

 

Round 3

 

Quiet start to the third round. About 30 seconds in, Biyong throws a high kick but misses. A couple of combinations from Biyong. Yagshimuradov shoots in and scores the takedown. Yagshimuradov working over Biyong’s body with some inside shots to the body. Biyong tries to land himself but ends up bringing himself over to the fence and trying to use it to bring himself up. Yagshimuradov, however, steps over the legs and keeps Biyong down.

 

Biyong landing to the back of Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov gets himself over to Biyong’s back. Biyong trying to get back to his feet, but Yagshimuradov sweeps him back down. Biyong tries again and is able to stay on his feet. Yagshimuradov lands a couple of right hands to the head. The referee calls for a break with about 50 seconds left in the fight. Yagshimuradov shoots in right away and gets another takedown. Yagshimuradov gets into side control and rides the fight out there.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Dovlet Yagshimuradov defeats Simon Biyong by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3) in the Light Heavyweight Division

  • Yagshimuradov clinches a spot in the 2024 PFL Playoffs and is in 1st place for now
  • Biyong is eliminated from playoff contention