The Professional Fighters League is making a major splash in the Middle East as the promotion touches down for PFL Dubai, bringing a star-studded lineup of elite mixed martial arts action to fight fans worldwide. Headlining the massive card is a high-stakes heavyweight championship showdown between decorated standout Vadim Nemkov and hard-hitting powerhouse Sergey Bilostenniy. Fight enthusiasts looking to catch all the action live can tune in starting early on Saturday, with preliminary coverage beginning at 9 a.m. ET via Sherdog’s live play-by-play updates. The main card action, culminating in the heavyweight title fight, is scheduled to broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. ET exclusively on the ESPN app, as well as through official PFL streaming portals.
As anticipation reaches a fever pitch, fighters across all 13 bouts have successfully made weight, locking in an unforgettable night of martial arts competition. From strawweight standouts to heavyweight titans, the card features an exceptional mix of global talent, promotional veterans, and surging prospects looking to make their mark on the international stage.
Aleksandra Savicheva vs. Jacinta Austin
The action in Dubai kicks off in the women’s strawweight division as Aleksandra Savicheva meets Jacinta Austin. Both athletes hit the scale cleanly, with Savicheva weighing in at 115.2 pounds and Austin registering at 116 pounds. This intriguing three-round matchup promises high-paced technical exchanges as both competitors look to establish early momentum for their respective careers under the PFL banner. Sherdog’s expert panel—featuring Tyler Treese, Tudor Leonte, and Mike Sloan—will be scoring every exchange of the bout live, tracking how each competitor navigates the distance, striking volume, and grappling exchanges across all three scheduled frames.
Khabib Nabiev vs. Styve Ngono Essono
Moving up to the light heavyweight division, Khabib Nabiev squares off against Styve Ngono Essono. Nabiev tipped the scales at 205.4 pounds, while Essono weighed in right at the divisional limit with 205.1 pounds. Light heavyweight bouts are always fraught with danger, as a single clean strike can alter the landscape of a fight instantaneously. The three-round pairing offers both men a prime platform to showcase their athleticism and power in front of a global audience, with the judges and Sherdog’s live scorers watching closely for dominance in the clinch and center-cage control.
Ernesto Rodriguez vs. Rhys McKee
In the welterweight division, Ernesto Rodriguez faces off against promotional favorite and seasoned veteran Rhys McKee. Rodriguez stepped onto the scale at 170.2 pounds, closely matched by McKee, who weighed in at 170.8 pounds. McKee brings a wealth of high-level experience to the cage, while Rodriguez looks to capitalize on the opportunity to test his skills against a tough European adversary. The welterweight clash is expected to feature a blend of sharp kickboxing and relentless pacing over the course of three rounds.
Denis Goltsov vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana
The heavyweight division takes center stage once more as veteran stalwart Denis Goltsov takes on the massive Maxwell Djantou Nana. Goltsov weighed in at a formidable 248.8 pounds, while Djantou Nana registered at the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds. Goltsov is well-known for his technical prowess and finishing instincts inside the PFL cage, but he will face a significant size and power test against Djantou Nana. This heavyweight pairing carries serious knockout potential from the opening bell to the final horn.
Adam Borics vs. Khasan Magomedsharipov
Featherweight action heats up when Adam Borics locks horns with the undefeated and highly touted Khasan Magomedsharipov. Borics weighed in at 145.8 pounds, with Magomedsharipov hitting the championship mark at 146 pounds. Borics has spent years fighting the best featherweights in the world and brings incredible veteran savvy into the matchup. Meanwhile, Magomedsharipov carries high expectations and a stellar reputation into the cage. This high-level technical battle could easily steal the show as both men vie for supremacy in the talent-rich 145-pound weight class.
Alexei Pergande vs. Akhmed Magomedov
The lightweight division features a compelling clash between Alexei Pergande and Akhmed Magomedov. Pergande weighed in at 154.8 pounds, while Magomedov came in slightly heavier at 155.8 pounds. Lightweight contests in the PFL are notoriously grueling, requiring exceptional cardiovascular conditioning and well-rounded skill sets. Both fighters enter this three-round affair looking to impose their styles and secure a vital victory to advance their standing in the organization.
Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. David Martinez
Action continues at welterweight as Saygid Izagakhmaev takes on David Martinez. Izagakhmaev weighed in at an even 170 pounds, while Martinez registered at 170.4 pounds. Izagakhmaev is widely recognized for his suffocating grappling and relentless pressure, making this a fascinating stylistic test against Martinez. The clash of techniques in this welterweight pairing promises compelling tactical battles every time the fight hits the canvas.
Connor Hughes vs. Shaqueme Rock
Returning to the lightweight division, Connor Hughes meets Shaqueme Rock in what promises to be a high-octane striking affair. Hughes weighed in at 155.6 pounds, while Rock tipped the scale at the 156-pound limit. Both lightweights are known for their willingness to engage in the pocket and push a fast pace, making this three-round encounter a must-watch for fans of explosive stand-up action.
Lewis McGrillen-Evans vs. Nawras Abzakh
In the bantamweight division, Lewis McGrillen-Evans squares off against Nawras Abzakh. McGrillen-Evans weighed in at 135.6 pounds, closely mirrored by Abzakh at 135.8 pounds. Bantamweight fights are traditionally defined by blinding speed, dynamic footwork, and scrambling transitions. Both men have everything to gain as they look to put on an impressive performance for the international fight fans tuning in from Dubai.
Sergio Pettis vs. Joji Goto
Former world champion Sergio Pettis enters the PFL cage for a high-stakes bantamweight battle against Joji Goto. Pettis weighed in cleanly at 135 pounds, while Goto registered at 135.4 pounds. Pettis brings elite championship pedigree, superior striking defense, and incredible fight IQ to the matchup. Goto, eager to seize a massive career-making opportunity, will need to navigate Pettis’s legendary range and counter-striking ability over three competitive rounds.
Oleg Popov vs. Pouya Rahmani
Heavyweight power returns to the spotlight as Oleg Popov faces Pouya Rahmani. Popov weighed in at 251.2 pounds, while Rahmani checked in at 245.1 pounds. Popov has consistently demonstrated the skills and composure required to navigate the deep waters of the heavyweight division, while Rahmani brings raw power that can change the complexion of a bout with a single blow.
Patrick Habirora vs. Omar El Dafrawy
Rounding out the preliminary portion of the card, welterweights Patrick Habirora and Omar El Dafrawy lock horns. Habirora weighed in at 169.8 pounds, with El Dafrawy registering at 170.8 pounds. Both welterweights are eager to leave a lasting impression on the global audience, bringing high energy and tactical adjustments into their three-round contest.
PFL Heavyweight Title Fight: Vadim Nemkov vs. Sergey Bilostenniy
At the pinnacle of the event stands the heavyweight championship main event between Vadim Nemkov and Sergey Bilostenniy. Nemkov weighed in at 244.6 pounds, while the formidable Bilostenniy tipped the scale at 262 pounds. Nemkov, a decorated combat sports legend with a reputation for elite wrestling, devastating sambo backgrounds, and crisp striking, looks to cement his legacy further under the PFL banner. Standing across from him is Bilostenniy, a destructive finisher who possesses the sheer size and heavy hands necessary to test any champion.
Scheduled for five championship rounds, the main event is poised to be a masterclass in heavyweight mixed martial arts, testing both athletes’ conditioning, heart, and tactical discipline. Fight fans can follow Sherdog’s round-by-round live scoring and comprehensive updates as the action unfolds live from Dubai, leading up to the crowning of a heavyweight king.
