The PFL’s next $1 million welterweight winner will be crowned on Friday in Washington, D.C.
Magomed Magomedkerimov, the No. 1 seed with a record of 33-6, will face No. 3 Sadibou Sy (16-6-2) in the 170-pound season championship at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Uncover all the details of the matchup below, from the background and the lead-up to the fight itself, with stats, photos, preview videos, highlights, quotes, recaps, and more.
The story will be updated throughout the event.
How Did We Get Here?
In 2018, Magomedkerimov emerged victorious, knocking out Ben Egli with a head kick, submitting David Zawada, and outperforming Solomon Renfro in the semifinals, earning a unanimous decision.
Sy’s journey has seen him earn a 2022 season win of $1 million in cash. He defeated Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi with a second-round stoppage and knocked out Shane Mitchell with a wheel kick in the regular season. Moreover, Sy secured a split decision win over Carlos Leal in the semifinals.
Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Sadibou Sy: Weigh-ins
Final Betting Odds
Magomedkerimov was the favorite, with betting odds closing at about -200, while the comeback on Sy was +180.
Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Sadibou Sy: The Fight
Records: Magomedkerimov (33-6), Sy (16-6-2)
Round 1: Defending champion Sy was strong in the first frame, landing solid shots. However, Magomedkerimov also landed significant punches.
Round 2: Sy utilized kicks and knees as his primary weapons. When taken down by Magomedkerimov, he quickly regained his feet, possibly causing frustration for his Dagestani opponent. It was a closer round than the first.
Round 3: After an exchange near the fence, Magomedkerimov pursued Sy and attempted a guillotine choke. He succeeded, and shortly afterward, Sy tapped out at just 1:17 minutes of the round. Coincidentally, Magomedkerimov won the 2018 season with the same choke.
The Aftermath
With the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, the winner may have the potential to fight against Bellator 170-pound titleholder Jason Jackson, who recently pulled off an upset against Yaroslav Amosov.
Winner Post-Fight Interview
Stay tuned …
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.