Magomedkerimov emerges triumphant as PFL-2023 titleholder
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Russian Mago-Million rules the PFL once again, pocketing an extra million
In a PAW-some playoff finale on November 24, 2023, fought at the Capital One Arena, Washington, Magomed "Mago-Million" Magomedkerimov (34-6) reigned supreme, bagging his second PFL lightweight championship title and a cool $1 mil check.
Against Swedish Sadibou Sy (16-7-2), Magomedkerimov played his cards right, knapping out Sy with a second-round rear-naked choke ("rear-naked choke"). This noteworthy victory added to his existing box office charm.
Back in Russia, UFC lightweight lord, Islam Makhachev (25-1), couldn't resist his playful side, throwing a cheeky jab at Magomedkerimov: "Congratulations, oligarch!"
Two other Russian competitors battled for the championship and, while they showed incredible grit, they couldn't top Magomedkerimov's performance.
Denis "Russian Bear" Goltsov (38-2), despite challenging Brazilian Henan "Problem" Ferreira (10-4) and dominating the first round, ultimately faltered in the second round, succumbing to a knockout. The new champ's first target announcement shocked everyone - a showdown with heavyweight heavyweight, Francis "Predator" Ngannou, who is set to make his PFL debut next year.
In the women's featherweight division, Marina Mokhnatkina (11-4) tussled against last year's 155-pound champion, Brazilian Larissa Pacheco (22-4). After three power-packed rounds, they declared Mokhnatkina the runner-up, winner via unanimous decision.
In the main event, Olivier Aubin-Mercier (22-5) held onto his lightweight throne, defeating Clay "Cassius" Collard (23-11) via unanimous decision.
Joining the roster of champions was Impa Kasanganay (USA, 11-3), who claimed the light heavyweight title by defeating Josh Silveira (USA, 12-2) via unanimous decision.
As Peruvian warrior Jesus "El Mundo" Pinedo (Peru, 22-6-1) pieced together an impressive performance, he became the new reigning featherweight champion, badgering undefeated Brazilian Gabriel Braga (12-1) via third-round technical knockout. This victory was a sweet redemption for Pinedo, who had earlier fought Braga and lost via split decision in the tournament's preliminary stage.*
The remaining bouts ended with these final results:
Two-time lightweight league champ, Kayla Harrison (USA, 16-1), made a triumphant comeback after a year's rest, dominating Aspen Ladd (USA, 11-5), and expressing her intentions to challenge Brazilian superstar, Cris "Cyborg" Justino, who owns the Bellator featherweight title.
Former UFC middleweight title contender, Derek Brunson (USA, 25-9), entered the league with a victory (UD) over Ray Cooper III (USA, 24-8-1).
Grandson of the legendary Muhammad "The Greatest" Ali, Biaggio Ali Walsh (6-0), demonstrated his elite genetic makeup by knocking out Joel Lopez (USA, 1-1) in the second round of an amateur lightweight bout.
During their PFL debut fights, Phil Karakapul (USA, 11-4) triumphed (UD) against Hai Wu (USA, 3-5) in the lightweight division, and Jesse Stirn (USA, 18-5) also emerged victorious by unanimous decision against Josh Bleiden (USA, 8-4) in the lightweight limit.
Previous Season Champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, remains unbeknownst about the 2023 season's events
It's worth noting that the current PFL lightweight champion is Usman Nurmagomedov. Despite his victory in the 2022 tournament, details about Nurmagomedov's performance in the 2023 season haven't been released yet.
If you'd like to uncover the latest scoops on the 2023 PFL season, we suggest visiting the official PFL website (www.pflmma.com) or exploring recent news articles to stay informed with the current season's events and respective lightweight championship endeavors. Keep it locked for more exciting showdowns and unexpected turns in the PFL tournament!
In the realm of mixed martial arts, Goltsov and Ferreira met in a championship battle, but despite Denis' victorious first round, he suffered a second-round knockout.
Although Usman Nurmagomedov, the previous season champion, is yet to disclose details about his 2023 season, Magomedkerimov, another Russian competitor, bagged the PFL lightweight championship title.
Despite the sports community acknowledging Makhachev as the UFC lightweight lord, Magomedkerimov managed to claim a decisive victory in the PFL.
Upon Magomedkerimov's notable win, Goltsov was not the only Russian competitor who displayed incredible grit, as Mokhnatkina also showcased her skills in the women's featherweight division.
