After winning the 2022 PFL featherweight tournament, British star Brendan Loughnane returned to the main event spotlight at the PFL World Championship in Riyadh looking to once again claim 145-pound gold and cash another million-dollar check.
Standing in Loughnane’s way was unbeaten Russian sensation Timur Khizriev. Boasting a 17-0 record, including three impressive wins under the PFL banner, Khizriev looked to outlast Primus’ wrestle-heavy style and score the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career.
Round 1
Khizriev gets things started by pumping the jab while Loughnane targets the lead leg of the Russian. Khizriev continues to be the aggressor, doubling up on the jab. Loughnane responds with an inside kick to the lead leg. Loughnane throws a spinning heel kick, but Khizriev ducks under and gets an easy takedown, settling into Loughnane’s guard.
Loughnane works his body toward the cage and nearly wall-walks his way back up, but Khizriev does a good job of keeping him planted on the mat through the remainder of the round.
Round 2
Khizriev starts with a leg kick and looks to put pressure on Loughnane early. Khizriev throws a double jab and Loughnane attempts to respond with a calf kick, but Khizriev gets his leg out of the way. Khizriev lands a kick to the body followed and shoots for a takedown, but eats an uppercut from Loughnane on his way in. Khizriev backs away and lands another jab. Loughnane’s nose is busted up and bleeding as Khizriev lands a hook to the body. Khizriev sticks Loughnane with a stiff right hand, followed by a jab and a combination.
Loughnane’s offense is few and far between as Khizriev is keeping him guessing. Loughnane’s face is becoming a crimson mask as Khizriev is landing at will. Loughnane catches Khizriev with a right hand as the Russian moves in, bringing Khizriev to his knee momentarily. Khizriev lands a jab but gets caught with a counter right as the round ends.
Round 3
After busting up Loughnane for the second round, Khizriev shoots in for an early takedown and manages to take Loughnane’s back up against the cage wall. Khizriev lands a nice knee against the fence, but Loughnane gets back to his feet, separates, and returns to the center of the Smart Cage. Loughnane appears to be having some issues with his mobility and potentially a problem with his right hand, limiting his offense. As a result, Khizriev has swelled to a -4000 favorite via the live odds.
Loughnane throws a front kick and receives a leg kick in return. Khizriez lands an uppercut that knocks Loughnane’s mouthpiece across the cage. With Loughnane backing up, Khizriev shoots in and scores a quick takedown near the fence. Loughnane uses the cage to shimmy his way back up with less than a minute to go in the round, but it’s not enough time for him to mount any sort of offense.
Round 4
Khizriev comes out swinging with a nice combination before shooting in and taking Loughnane down to the mat once again. Loughnane posts on his knee and gets away with a fence grab. Loughnane gets back to his feet and returns to the center. Loughnane tries to get his jab going, but Khizriev appears to have the timing down and is stalking Loughnane. Khizriev throws a spinning heel kick that temporarily takes him off his feet.
Khizriev lands a left, but it’s mostly his forearm that connects with Loughnane’s head. Loughnane nearly catches Khizriev with an uppercut as the Russian dips his head on the entry. Loughnane lands a one-two that connects. Loughnane is starting to find success, peppering Khizriev with shots, including a stiff jab in the closing seconds of the penultimate round.
Round 5
Loughnane undoubtedly needs a finish if he hopes to win the fight, but Khizriev still looks fresh and lands a lovely right hand on the chin of his opponent. Loughnane responds with a jab. Khizriev scores with another right hand that wobbled Loughnane. Khizriev looks for the uppercut, but Loughnane dodges the danger and circles away from the cage wall. Loughnane ducks his way in and Khizriev makes him pay with a flying knee to the chin. Loughnane eats it and asks for more.
Khizriev lands a stiff double jab, but Loughnane comes right back with a nice right hand. Just past the halfway point of the round, Khizriev shoots in and puts Loughnane on his back. Loughnane works his way to the fence as Khizriev attempts to desperately keep him on the ground. Loughnane gives up his back but manages to get back up to his feet and starts working to break the grip. Loughnane does, separating with 90 seconds to go in the fight.
Khizriev attempts another takedown, but Loughnane fights the hands and breaks away. Both fighters start swinging away with Loughnane landing a left. With 10 seconds left, Loughnane pursues but he opts not to throw as the clock runs out on his chances of winning a million dollars.
Official Result: Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughnane via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Check Out Highlights From Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev at the PFL World Championship:
Final Fight of the Night!#PFLWorldChampionship
LIVE NOW ON ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/QXHXJy5g8S— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 29, 2024
Timur Khizriev running away with the 3rd round#PFLWorldChampionship
LIVE NOW ON ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/jgYyLSerbO— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 29, 2024
Three rounds in against Timur Khizriev and Brendan Loughnane’s face is an absolute mess #PFLWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/Q5J85mR3pa
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) November 29, 2024
Timur Khizriev remains undefeated #andNOW is the 2024 PFL Featherweight World Champion!#PFLWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/4co9SjSqNU
— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 29, 2024
