The Professional Fighters League is ready to return with another international event, and this time the spotlight is on the Middle East. PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov vs Davis is set to take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the fight card is already creating strong buzz among MMA fans worldwide.
However, one major talking point stands out even before the first punch is thrown: this event is heavily dominated by Russian fighters, especially those from Dagestan.
Looking at the lineup, it is fair to say that this PFL event feels more like a Russian league showcase than a mixed international card.
PFL Dubai Event Details
- Event Name: PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov vs Davis
- Venue: Coca-Cola Arena
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Total Fights: 8
- Fights Featuring Russian Fighters: 6 out of 8
Out of eight scheduled fights, six include Russian fighters, which clearly highlights where the strength of this card lies. The dominance of fighters from Russia, particularly Dagestan, is impossible to ignore.
Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov vs Alfie Davis
The main event features PFL lightweight star Usman Nurmagomedov taking on Alfie Davis. Usman Nurmagomedov is one of the most talked-about names outside the UFC, and for good reason.
Usman is from Dagestan, Russia, a region that has already produced legendary fighters.
He is known for his calm approach, elite wrestling, strong grappling control, and improving striking. Every time he steps into the cage, expectations are high, and he rarely disappoints.
Alfie Davis, on the other hand, is a tough and experienced fighter who has faced high-level competition throughout his career.
However, facing Usman Nurmagomedov is a completely different challenge. Davis will need a near-perfect performance to deal with Usman’s pressure, control, and fight IQ.
This matchup clearly shows why the event is being labeled as Russian-dominated. The biggest name on the card is Russian, and he is expected to deliver another strong performance.
Russian vs Russian: Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs Shamil Musaev
One of the most interesting and dangerous fights on the card is the Russian vs Russian matchup between Ramazan Kuramagomedov and Shamil Musaev.
What makes this fight special is the fact that both fighters are undefeated. There is no easy fight when two unbeaten fighters collide, especially when both come from a wrestling-heavy background.
Why This Fight Matters
- Both fighters are hungry to protect their unbeaten records
- Both come from the same strong regional MMA culture
- One fighter’s perfect record will end
This fight is expected to be a pure war. Wrestling exchanges, pressure against the cage, and ground control are likely to dominate the fight.
Fans who enjoy technical grappling and high-level MMA should not miss this matchup.
Amru Magomedov: Another Undefeated Russian Prospect
Another fighter adding to the Russian dominance is Amru Magomedov, who enters the event undefeated. Fighters like Magomedov represent the new generation of Russian MMA talent.
These fighters are not just wrestlers anymore. They are becoming well-rounded mixed martial artists, capable of striking, defending submissions, and controlling fights from all positions.
Amru Magomedov’s presence on the card further strengthens the idea that PFL is investing heavily in Russian prospects.
Magomed Umalatov Brings Experience and Power
Magomed Umalatov is another Russian name on the card who brings experience and physical strength. Known for his aggressive style and finishing ability, Umalatov is always a threat inside the cage.
His fights are rarely boring. Whether it is striking exchanges or dominant grappling, Umalatov knows how to control the pace. Fighters like him are the backbone of Russian MMA’s reputation.
Salamat Isbulaev Makes His Professional Debut
One of the most interesting storylines is the professional debut of Salamat Isbulaev. Making a first professional appearance on a big international stage like PFL Dubai is no small thing.
Russian fighters often arrive well-prepared even for their debut bouts, thanks to strong amateur backgrounds. Wrestling, sambo, and regional MMA competitions give them an edge early in their careers.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Isbulaev handles the pressure and whether he can make a strong first impression.
Makkasharip Zaynukov Adds to the Russian Presence
Makkasharip Zaynukov is another Russian fighter featured on the card. His inclusion further proves that PFL Dubai is stacked with talent from Russia.
Zaynukov, like many of his countrymen, is expected to bring discipline, toughness, and a strong ground game. His fight adds more depth to a card already filled with Russian names.
Why PFL Dubai Feels Like a Russian League
When you break down the fight card, the conclusion becomes very clear:
- 6 out of 8 fights include Russian fighters
- The main event is headlined by a Dagestani star
- One fight is Russian vs Russian with undefeated records
- Multiple Russian prospects and debutants are featured
This is not accidental. PFL has been actively signing and promoting Russian fighters, especially those from Dagestan. Their success rate, fighting style, and fan interest make them valuable assets.
Because of this heavy concentration, fans are already calling this event a Russian league showcase, and it is hard to argue against that label.
Dagestan’s Growing Influence in Global MMA
Dagestan has become one of the most important regions in modern MMA. Fighters from this area are known for:
- Elite wrestling
- Strong cardio
- Mental toughness
- Team-based training culture
Usman Nurmagomedov continues to carry that legacy forward, and fighters like Kuramagomedov, Musaev, and Magomedov are following the same path.
PFL Dubai is another example of how this region is shaping the future of MMA beyond the UFC.
What This Means for PFL’s Global Strategy
By stacking this card with Russian fighters, PFL is sending a clear message. They want to:
- Build stars outside the UFC system
- Attract fans from Russia, the Middle East, and Europe
- Showcase dominant wrestling-based MMA
Dubai is also a smart location. It is a global city with a strong combat sports fanbase and close ties to fighters from Russia and Central Asia.
Final Thoughts: Is PFL Becoming a Russian League?
Looking at PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov vs Davis, it is hard to deny the strong Russian influence.
With most of the cards featuring Russian fighters and the main event headlined by a Dagestani star, the event truly feels like a Russian league night under the PFL banner.
That does not take away from the excitement. In fact, it adds to it. Russian fighters have earned their reputation through discipline and dominance, and fans know they are going to see high-level MMA.
If this event delivers the way it looks on paper, PFL Dubai could become one of the most talked-about MMA cards of the year, and another reminder that Russian fighters continue to control the global MMA scene.
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