Gadzhi Rabadanov proved his dominance at PFL 6 on June 20, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. The 2024 PFL lightweight champion stopped former UFC star Kevin Lee with a first-round TKO, advancing to the 2025 lightweight tournament final. Rabadanov’s explosive performance cemented his status as a top contender.
Rabadanov’s PFL Rise
Gadzhi Rabadanov, a Russian fighter training with UFC champions Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, has been unstoppable in PFL. He won the 2024 lightweight title with knockouts over Michael Dufort and Brent Primus, entering 2025 on an 11-fight win streak. In April 2025, he knocked out Marc Diakiese in 32 seconds at PFL 3, earning his semifinal spot. His mix of grappling and striking has thrilled fans.
Lee’s PFL Entry
Kevin Lee, known as “The Motown Phenom,” joined PFL in May 2025 after the Global Fight League collapsed. A former UFC interim lightweight title challenger, he lost to Tony Ferguson in 2017 via submission at UFC 216. His UFC run from 2012 to 2023 yielded an 11-8 record, with three losses in his last five fights. Lee’s most recent win was a submission over Thiago Oliveira in September 2024 at Lights Out Championship.
He entered PFL as a replacement for Jay-Jay Wilson, who withdrew due to injury. “I went to the PFL when they did the first round of the lightweights in Orlando, the only guy who interested me was Gadzhi,” Lee said. “So I told them I would be interested in joining the organization and especially for a fight like that.”
Rabadanov’s TKO Victory
Rabadanov overwhelmed Lee from the start. “I’m looking for spectacular fights. And I think my audience, my fans, already understand that. They like my style and I need to deliver to them,” Rabadanov told MMA Fighting through a translator before the fight. He landed a jab that rocked Lee 45 seconds in, followed by a right hand causing another knockdown. After four total drops, a final flurry against the fence forced referee Jason Herzog to stop the fight at 2:37 of round one. Lee, possibly with a shoulder injury, couldn’t continue.
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Rabadanov valued Lee as an opponent. “For me, personally, he’s great opponent. I would like to fight him,” Rabadanov said before the fight. “It’s just I think maybe it’s a little bit unfair that he jumped in straight into semifinals. It might be just unfair to other guys who were in the tournament, but overall I’m looking forward to this fight.” He stayed focused. “For me, it’s not about what’s fair with the other guys, for me it’s about my next opponent. And I’m gonna take them all out, regardless who’s in front of me. I just focus on myself, on my best performance, and just taking out my next opponent.” The matchup’s exposure was a bonus. “To be open about it, to be honest, I think Kevin Lee is a better matchup for me because of his name, because I’m going to get the extra media attention for that. So name-wise, I think it’s a great matchup for me.”
Lee aimed to prove doubters wrong. “A lot of people have written me off,” Lee told MMA Fighting before the fight. “A lot of people have forgot about me and a lot of people have doubted me so it’s time to shut them up. I don’t even really blame people too much for the write off because it’s been five years since I’ve been in this division, the start of the pandemic.” Fans on X expressed pre-fight concerns, calling it a tough matchup. After the loss, users praised Rabadanov, one labeling him a “beast” who “crushed Kevin Lee.”
Rabadanov’s TKO earns him a final against Alfie Davis, who beat Brent Primus by unanimous decision at PFL 6. The title fight is set for August 15, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a $500,000 prize. PFL 6 also saw Liz Carmouche advance in the women’s flyweight semifinal and Marcirley Alves and Justin Wetzell reach the bantamweight final.
With a 12-fight win streak and nine knockouts in 26 wins, Rabadanov is a PFL powerhouse. His training with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team drives his ambition. “It’s hard to tell whether it’s pressure or rather motivation,” Rabadanov said before the fight. “I always believe that I’m one of the best lightweights out there.”
Lee’s loss drops his record to 20-9, prompting questions about his future. Rabadanov’s decisive win positions him as a favorite to repeat as champion.
