Rob Wilkinson had one of the most memorable PFL debut seasons in 2022, defeating all four of his opponents to secure the PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship. Wilkinson, who became the first Tasmanian to win a major MMA world championship, was unable to defend his PFL world title in 2023 due to suspension. However, Wilkinson returned to form this season, with a first-round TKO of Tom Breese and a points victory over Josh Silveira, and Wilkinson is now just two steps away from reclaiming PFL gold.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov began his career competing in several countries in Europe and Asia, winning regional gold at light heavyweight before signing with Bellator in 2021. After a 3-2 record there, Yagshimuradov, a sambo expert who scored 17 of his 23 wins by stoppage, moved to the PFL following Bellator’s acquisition. Yagshimuradov enters tonight’s fight on a five-fight winning streak, knocking out Jakob Nedoh in the first round and defeating Simon Biyong on points.
Who will be the first light heavyweight competitor at the 2024 PFL World Championship?
Round 1
Wilkinson starts with a left jab. Yagshimuradov misses a low kick as Wilkinson jumps around the outside. Wilkinson lands again. Wilkinson comes forward. Low kick by Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov misses a left hook. One-two by Yagshimuradov. Jab by Wilkinson. Yagshimuradov lands a right hook. Low kick by Wilkinson. Front kick to the midsection by Yagshimuradov. Low kick by Wilkinson. Left hand by Yagshimuradov. Now Yagshimuradov is on the outside. Yagshimuradov catches Wilkinson coming in. Low kick by Wilkinson. High kick by Yagshimuradov doesn’t land.
The two begin to trade, both men landing in range. Heavy leg kick from Wilkinson. Strong one-two from Yagshimuradov pushes Wilkinson back. Low kick from Wilkinson. Yagshimuradov fires in the final seconds, but Wilkinson counters with a guillotine attempt. Yagshimuradov breaks up the takedown attempt. Wilkinson with a combination. Yagshimuradov pushes Wilkinson to the fence before the bell.
Round 2
Wilkinson shows his left hand. Wilkinson comes forward again. Wilkinson throws a kick. Low kick from Wilkinson. Front kick from Yagshimuradov, but Wilkinson lands a left hook at the same time. Yagshimuradov with a check hook. Left hand from Wilkinson. Soft round kick from Wilkinson. Wilkinson shows his left hand again. Lead hook kick from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov misses a right hook.
Both men throw low kicks. Left hook from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov with some solid jabs. Overhand right from Yagshimuradov. Yagshimuradov comes back with a left. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Wilkinson tries to come forward with a wave of attacks and put pressure on Yagshimuradov. But Yagshimuradov breaks free from the fence with a powerful right that just misses. Wilkinson lands a jab. Wilkinson lands low kicks. High kick lands on Wilkinson’s jaw! Yagshimuradov tries for a takedown, but Wilkinson blocks it. Wilkinson throws a few waves of attacks, including a strong left hook.
Stylish point shot by Dovlet Yagshimuradov
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Round 3
Jabs land from both men. Low kick from Wilkinson. Another low kick from Wilkinson. Left hand lands for Yagshimuradov. Combination from Yagshimuradov. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Straights land from both men. Hooks land for Yagshimuradov, Wilkinson gets in between. Wilkinson lands a pair of left hands. Both trade combinations.
Two left hands and a low front kick from Wilkinson. One-two from Yagshimuradov, strong. Front kick to the body from Yagshimuradov. One-two from Yagshimuradov. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Front kick from Wilkinson. One-two from Wilkinson, pushes Yagshimuradov back. Yagshimuradov with a one-two. Low kick for Yagshimuradov, misses. Yagshimuradov changes levels, but Wilkinson fights off the takedown. Yagshimuradov throws a knee. One-two from Yagshimuradov. Wilkinson with a one-two. Yagshimuradov swings away to the bell.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov is in the zone and wants to take the lead in the 3rd!
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OFFICIAL RESULT
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defeated Rob Wilkinson by unanimous decision (30-27×3) in the PFL Light Heavyweight semifinals to secure a spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship. He will face the winner of Impa Kasanganay vs. Josh Silveira for the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight World title and $1 million.
- Yagshimuradov wins his 6th fight in a row and qualifies for the PFL World Championship in his first PFL season
- Yagshimuradov is a former ACA light heavyweight champion
- Yagshimuradov is the first fighter from Turkmenistan to qualify for the championship
