Ray Cooper III has left an indelible mark in the PFL, currently holding the PFL record for most finishes (10) and most knockouts (8) in his tenure that stretches back to the original PFL season in 2018. Cooper has made the PFL Welterweight Championship three times, falling short in 2018 before capturing gold in 2019 and 2021. It has been a rough stretch, however, for “Bradda” as he enters tonight with three losses (to the likes of Carlos Leal, Derek Brunson and Jason Jackson) in his last four fights.

 

Before he became a pro, Mukhamed Berkhamov’s amateur run saw him go toe-to-toe with undefeated PFL Welterweight Magomed Umalatov. Berkhamov ended up making a name in his native Russia, including winning a welterweight title, before joining Bellator. Berkhamov went 2-1 (1 NC) in Bellator, with the no-contest and loss both coming against Lorenz Larkin. Berkhamov defeated Herman Terrado at Bellator 300 in October.

 

 

Who will make their mark in this one?

 

Round 1

 

Cooper coming forward. Berkhamov flashing the right jab. Berkhamov circling the outside. Low kick from Berkhamov. Stomp kick by Berkhamov. Body lock initiated, and Cooper presses Berkhamov into the fence. Berkhamov looks to alleviate the pressure, and he reverses the position. Cooper nearly scores a takedown. Berkhamov looking to keep distance and use his reach advantage. Level change, and Berkhamov takes Cooper down. But Cooper bounces back to his feet, and he slams Berkhamov onto his back! Cooper looks for the arm-triangle. Cooper abandons the attempt, and he now sits in half guard. Berkhamov looks to control Cooper’s arm. Cooper is on Berkhamov like a leech, preventing any sort of get-away attempt.

 

 

Cooper in seat belt position as he looks to get away from Berkhamov’s grasp to try and start working on Berkhamov’s head. Berkhamov tries to get out the back door, and he does so. Berkhamov lands a left. Berkhamov lands a rear knee. Berkhamov grabs a hold of Cooper and lands a couple more knees! More knees from Berkhamov before Cooper gets away. Strong knee again appeared to hurt Cooper! Low kick from Berkhamov. Another knee from Berkhamov, but Cooper initiates a body lock. Big hook by Cooper backs Berkhamov up! Low kick from Berkhamov. And another. Cooper avoids a hook from Berkhamov. Low kick from Berkhamov. High kick from Berkhamov is blocked. Cooper scores another takedown before the bell.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Cooper flashing the left jab. Berkhamov flashes the left straight, still trying to keep distance. Right hand from Berkhamov. Cooper looking to come forward. Berkhamov narrowly dodges a right hand from Cooper. One-two from Cooper. Right hand by Cooper. Left hand by Cooper. Body lock and Berkhamov lands another knee before the break. Berkhamov level changes, but Cooper stops the takedown attempt. Low kick from Berkhamov. Left hand from Cooper, but he misses the follow-up right. Berkhamov flashing the right hand.

 

Cooper keeping Berkhamov moving. Low kick from Berkhamov. One-two from Berkhamov. One-two to the body by Cooper. Berkhamov with a low kick. A couple of right hands from Berkhamov. Cooper with a left. Another right hand from Berkhamov. Cooper lands a right hand. Berkhamov grabs a leg, but Cooper gets away. Left hand by Berkhamov. Cooper lands a lead uppercut that catches Berkhamov’s attention. Cooper lands another left hand before the horn.

 

 

Round 3

 

The two engage in a body lock right away, and Cooper lands a right hook. Cooper with a jab to the body. Low kick from Berkhamov. Berkhamov throws a pair of right hands. Left hand from Cooper. Check hook and a straight left from Berkhamov. Berkhamov lands a clinch knee. Berkhamov flashes the left hand. Right hand from Cooper is blocked. Strong right hand lands for Cooper, snapping Berkhamov’s head back. Berkhamov gets a takedown and gets to Cooper’s back standing. Berkhamov presses Cooper into the fence. Cooper tries to pummel as Berkhamov tries to get the fight back to the ground. Berkhamov is the successful one here.

 

Cooper has hand control but Berkhamov is pressuring him from the top. Berkhamov on Cooper’s back again. Cooper gets back to his feet, but Berkhamov gets a hook in and brings him back to the mat, with Cooper on his knees. Cooper slowly gets to his feet, but Berkhamov takes away Cooper’s balance again. And yet again. Berkhamov is over Cooper’s hips, making Cooper carry his weight. Cooper gets back to his feet once more and he works it out, getting Berkhamov off. Right hook by Berkhamov. One-two from Berkhamov. Berkhamov keeping his distance. Berkhamov landing a couple of kicks before the horn.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Mukhamed Berkhamov defeats Ray Cooper III by split decision (29-28x2, 28-29) in a PFL Welterweight Showcase Fight

  • Berkhamov moves his career record to 17-2 in his PFL debut
  • Berkhamov trains out of Kill Cliff FC
  • 2-time PFL Champ Ray Cooper III loses his third straight PFL fight