Last season’s No. 2 seed in the featherweight division, Movlid Khaybulaev (16-0-1, 1 NC), looked to show that his prior success was no fluke as he collided with league newcomer Lazar Stojadinovic (14-8). The explosive Khaybulaev holds the fastest finish in PFL history — a 10-second flying knee finish of Damon Jackson — and was out to repeat that performance against the experienced Stojadinovic.
Khaybulaev attacked with a high kick during the first exchange, but Stojadinovic was able to block it. A right hand from Khaybulaev was answered by a left from Stojadinovic. Khaybulaev changed levels and put Stojadinovic on his back in the center of the cage. Once on the ground, Khaybulaev was able to pass to half guard. He methodically trapped the left arm of Stojadinovic and delivered a stream of left hands. The punches from Khaybulaev took their toll on Stojadinovic as the round progressed. Khaybulaev transitioned to a kimura in the round’s final seconds, but Stojadinovic survived.
Stojadinovic flurried to start round two and Khaybulaev promptly put him on the mat. Again, he patiently moved to the back of Stojadinovic. As Khaybulaev looked for both hooks, Stojadinovic rolled back to his back and recovered his guard. Despite his efforts to work back to his feet, Stojadinovic was completely smothered by Khaybulaev for the entirety of the round.
A right hand from Khaybulaev connected early in the final round. Stojadinovic tried his best to get into striking range, but he was quickly taken down by Khaybulaev along the cage. The top control of Khaybulaev was something that Stojadinovic could not overcome. Khaybulaev just battered Stojadinovic with short left hands until the final bell.
There was no doubt on the scorecards as the heavy favorite Khaybulaev claimed every round and captured three points in the featherweight standings.
Movlid Khaybulaev def. Lazar Stojadinovic by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
