There is a new PFL welterweight champion \u2013 and he’s already retired.<\/p>\n
Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs. Shamil Musaev didn’t surprise the experts in terms of the high-level action. What did come as a shocker was after Kuramagomedov (14-0) defeated Musaev (20-1-1) by unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46), he announced the fight would be his last.<\/p>\n
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The inaugural welterweight title tilt took place Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n
Kuramagomedov showed a well-rounded attack. He made it ugly when he needed to and avoided the fight-finishing abilities of the heavy-handed Musaev. In the championship rounds, Kuramagomedov absorbed a brutal illegal knee that was believed by the broadcast to have caused a significant arm injury.<\/p>\n
Still, Kuramagomedov persisted. When the dust settled, he was champion and he can add a PFL title to a trophy case that already housed Bellator gold.<\/p>\n
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After the fight, Kuramagomedov announced his retirement in a shocking statement. He said he’d considered it in the build-up to Saturday’s fight and pointed to the commitment that MMA requires to compete at a high level.<\/p>\n
If that’s it for the 29-year-old Kuramagomedov, he’ll be a rare case of a fighter retiring on top.<\/p>\n
Up-to-the-minute PFL: Road to Dubai results include:<\/p>\n
Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Shamil Musaev via unanimous decision (48-46, 48-48-46, 48-46) \u2013 for vacant welterweight title<\/p>\n
Abdoul Abdouraguimov def. Kendly St. Louis via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)<\/p>\n
Salamat Isbulaev def. Jesus Pinedo via submission (strikes) \u2013 Round 1, 4:57<\/p>\n
Pouya Rahmani def. Karl Williams via submission (arm-triangle choke) \u2013 Round 2, 3:41<\/p>\n
Amru Magomedov def. Kolton England via TKO (punches) \u2013 Round 1, 0:37<\/p>\n
Taylor Lapilus def. Kasum Kasumov via TKO (punches) \u2013 Round 3, 0:47<\/p>\n
Renat Khavalov def. Edgars Skrivers via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)<\/p>\n
Amin Ayoub def. Makkasharip Zaynukov via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)<\/p>\n
Denise Kielholtz def. Antonia Silvaneide via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)<\/p>\n
Luke Trainer def. Rob Wilkinson via submission (guillotine choke) \u2013 Round 1, 3:48<\/p>\n
Khabib Nabiev def. Ahmed Sami via TKO (ground-and-pound) \u2013 Round 2, 2:26<\/p>\n
Jhony Gregory def. Haider Khan via submission (guillotine choke) \u2013 Round 1, 1:18<\/p>\n