A former regional welterweight champion, Magomed Umalatov has reached the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, but visa issues and injury have prevented him from competing in each. Now, Umalatov looks to finally show what has kept him as one of the top welterweights in the PFL year after year. Umalatov reached tonight’s finals with wins over Andrey Koreshkov, Brennan Ward, and Neiman Gracie.

 

Shamil Musaev is a strong wrestler, having medaled at the 2019 U23 World Wrestling Championships and twice at the Russian National Championships. Musaev has not lost in 24 straight fights combined in his time between amateur and pro, and he has scored finishes in 13 of his 19 pro victories. Musaev reached tonight’s title fight with victories over Logan Storley and Murad Ramazanov (twice) this year.

 

The 2024 PFL Welterweight World Championship is on the line here!

 

 

Round 1

 

The two squared up in the center. Both men being patient; no shots fired off in the first 55 seconds of the fight. Short front kick from Musaev. Left hand from Umalatov. Low kick from Musaev. Umalatov flashes a low kick of his own. Not a lot of action here, especially from Umalatov. The referee calls for action with less than three minutes to go in the round. Hook lands for Musaev. Right hand lands for Musaev. Umalatov catches Musaev coming in, and the two battle up against the fence.

 

Umalatov landing knees with his back to the fence. Musaev sweeps and is able to bring Umalatov to the mat briefly before he makes his way back to his feet quickly. Umalatov tries to break the grip, and the two end up back in the center. Musaev keeping distance, circling around the SmartCage. The referee calls for action again with about 30 seconds left. Low kick from Musaev. One-two for Musaev backs up Umalatov. Big front kick from Umalatov misses.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Another feeling out process here. This is a calculated chess match. Musaev circling on the outside. Umalatov throws a right hand to the body, but his takedown attempt is avoided by Musaev. Left hand from Umalatov. Right hand from Musaev. Another right hand from Musaev. Low kick by Musaev. Low kick from Umalatov. One-two from Umalatov leads to a takedown attempt, with Musaev fighting it. Musaev reverses it, though Umalatov gets back to his feet quickly. Musaev keeping a hold of the body lock from the back.

 

Musaev is able to get the fight back to the ground, with Umalatov seated against the fence. Umalatov gets back to his feet but is still being pressed into the fence. Umalatov with a couple of inside punches to the stomach. Now Umalatov presses Musaev into the fence. Musaev works his way off the fence and back to the center with just under 50 seconds to go. Musaev keeps distance again and works out of an Umalatov clinch attempt again. Low kick by Umalatov. Musaev shoots in for another takedown attempt in the closing seconds but Umalatov shoves it off.

 

 

Round 3

 

Left hand from Umalatov as the two circle around the center. One-two from Umalatov. One-two from Musaev. Umalatov goes after a leg and presses Musaev into the fence again. Musaev works his way off. Musaev lands a hook. A left hand LANDS ON THE CHIN AND CRUMPLES UMALATOV!

 

 

Shamil Musaev is the 2024 PFL Welterweight World Champion!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

Shamil Musaev defeats Magomed Umalatov by 3rd round TKO (1:44) to become the 2024 PFL Welterweight World Champion!

Musaev hands Umalatov his first career loss and moves his own undefeated record to 20-0-1 with his 12th career knockout

Musaev’s nickname is “The Silent Assassin”

This was Musaev’s first PFL season, he went 4-0 with 3 knockouts