2024 PFL World Championship: Six Title Fights, $1 Million on the Line
The 2024 Professional Fighters League (PFL) season is set to culminate in spectacular fashion this Friday afternoon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The stage is King Saud University Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as six weight classes crown their champions. With $1 million on the line for each winner, the drama is palpable, and the action promises to be unforgettable.
All the PFL World Championship fights will be streamed live on ESPN+, starting at 1 p.m. ET. The card is stacked with talent, including a mix of defending champions, undefeated fighters, and seasoned veterans. Let’s dive into the matchups and storylines that make this event a must-watch.
Familiar Faces and Rising Stars
Among the 12 finalists, there’s a mix of experience and fresh talent. Light heavyweight Impa Kasanganay returns as the lone defending champion, while 2022 featherweight champ Brendan Loughnane looks to reclaim his throne. The card also features two undefeated fighters squaring off in the welterweight finale: Shamil Musaev (19-0-1) and Magomed Umalatov (17-0). Additionally, featherweight Timur Khizriev and women’s flyweight Dakota Ditcheva also bring unblemished records to the table.
Adding to the intrigue are former Bellator champion Brent Primus and former UFC title challenger Taila Santos, both of whom are looking to make their mark in the PFL.
Fight Most Likely to Be Short and Sweet
Heavyweight Championship: Denis Goltsov vs. Oleg Popov
Heavyweight fights are often unpredictable, but Denis Goltsov (35-8) has a knack for quick finishes. He’s won eight of his last nine fights, with six of those victories coming in the first round. Oleg Popov (19-1), however, is no pushover. His lone career loss wasn’t by finish, showcasing his resilience. Expect Goltsov to push the pace early, but if Popov can weather the storm, this could turn into a grueling battle.
- Best Bet: Over 1.5 rounds; fight does not go the distance.
Goltsov’s fast starts make him a favorite, but Popov’s durability and wrestling could extend the fight. Betting on the over 1.5 rounds seems like a smart play, though it’s unlikely this one goes the full five rounds.
Fight Most Likely to Lay Some Ground Work
Lightweight Championship: Brent Primus vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov
Brent Primus (15-3) is a submission specialist, with eight of his wins coming via tapout. But Gadzhi Rabadanov (23-4-2) is no stranger to grappling, having trained in the elite Makhachkala gym of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. This fight could turn into a chess match on the ground—or Rabadanov might use his wrestling to keep the fight standing.
- Best Bet: Rabadanov to win by KO/TKO.
Primus has been dominant this season, but his tendency to tire in later rounds could be his downfall. Rabadanov’s striking might prove decisive, especially if he can keep the fight off the mat.
Fight Most Likely to Make You Go “Oh, No!”
Welterweight Championship: Shamil Musaev vs. Magomed Umalatov
This matchup of undefeated fighters guarantees that someone’s perfect record will be blemished. Musaev (19-0-1) and Umalatov (17-0) are both elite competitors, making this one of the most intriguing fights on the card.
- Best Bet: Over 3.5 rounds; Musaev by decision.
Musaev’s striking and takedown defense could give him the edge, but Umalatov’s wrestling makes him a live underdog. Expect a tactical battle that goes deep into the fight.
Fight Most Likely to Go All the Way
Light Heavyweight Championship: Impa Kasanganay vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov
Impa Kasanganay (18-4) is the defending champion, but Dovlet Yagshimuradov (24-7-1) has proven he’s a serious threat. Both fighters have shown they can go the distance, so this one might end up in the hands of the judges.
- Best Bet: Yagshimuradov to win (+140).
Yagshimuradov’s power and wrestling could be the difference-maker, especially if he can avoid Kasanganay’s relentless cardio and pace.
Fight Most Likely to Tell the Future
Women’s Flyweight Championship: Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos
Undefeated Dakota Ditcheva (13-0) has been a wrecking ball in the PFL, with first-round finishes in seven of her eight fights. But Taila Santos (22-3) is a former UFC title challenger and represents Ditcheva’s toughest test yet.
- Best Bet: Santos to win (+280).
Ditcheva’s striking is her strength, but Santos’ grappling could be the key to an upset. At +280, Santos offers great value for bettors.
Fight Most Likely to Spark Fireworks
Featherweight Championship: Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev
Brendan Loughnane (30-5) is a knockout artist, but Timur Khizriev (17-0) is a defensive wizard. This clash of styles makes for an intriguing main event.
- Best Bet: Over 4.5 rounds.
Loughnane will need to keep the fight standing to have a chance, but Khizriev’s grappling could neutralize his striking. Expect a competitive fight that likely goes the distance.
Originally Written by: Jeff Wagenheim
