Gadzhi Rabadanov defeats Kevin Lee in the first round via TKO, books Spot in PFL Finals. In a high-stakes main event at INTRUST Bank Arena, Gadzhi Rabadanov delivered a dominant performance, defeating Kevin Lee in the very first round of their PFL lightweight semifinal matchup via TKO.
After a long layoff, knee surgery, and a failed GFL deal that went nowhere, Lee is finally stepping back into the cage. For Kevin Lee, this wasn’t just another fight. It was a chance to rewrite the narrative, a shot at redemption after years of setbacks and doubts.
Before the bout, he made it known that new fans might not remember the version of him that headlined cards and knocked out Gregor Gillespie in one of the most vicious head-kick finishes in UFC history. But he hasn’t forgotten who he is or what he’s capable of, and he’s ready to put everything behind him, get back into the octagon, and reclaim his story.
Lee faces Gadzhi Rabadanov in the main event. Gadzhi Rabadanov—a born finisher. After winning PFL gold in 2024 and returning to demolish Marc Diakiese in just 32 seconds, the reigning lightweight champion strides into the octagon again to create a moment fans won’t forget in hurry.
PFL World Tournament 6 in the lightweight semifinals delivered fireworks, and the main event didn’t disappoint. The PFL main event ended quickly and dramatically, as Gadzhi Rabadanov took out Kevin Lee with a first-round TKO.
The fight didn’t last long, just 2 minutes and 37 seconds into the first round, it was all over but Rabadanov wasted no time in making his presence felt.
Right from the start, Rabadanov looked sharp. He came forward with fast hands, landing clean punches on Lee. One hard shot seemed to shake Lee, and Rabadanov didn’t hold back. He kept the pressure on with heavy punches that forced Lee to try and shoot for a takedown, but the takedown didn’t work. Lee fell awkwardly.
Rabadanov immediately dominated and started pouring on more punches, which forced Lee into a desperate takedown attempt. With Lee clearly overwhelmed, the referee intervened and waved off the bout, giving Rabadanov the first-round TKO victory.
The win secures Rabadanov’s place in the PFL finals, where he will now face Alfie Davis, who also turned heads in the same fight night with a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision over former Bellator champion Brent Primus.
Kevin Lee stepped into the cage with redemption on his mind, but Gadzhi Rabadanov had other plans. With a composed and dominant performance, Rabadanov walked away with a well-earned unanimous decision victory.
