This weekend, the PFL is heading to Dubai for a major event featuring two title fights and plenty of entertaining matchups. The main event will see Russian fighter Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0), cousin of the legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, take on English contender Alfie Davis (20-5) for the lightweight title.

With the event taking place in Dubai, many Russian fighters are on the card, giving the night a clear “Russia vs the world” feeling.

In the co-main event, undefeated Ramazan Kuramagomedov (13-0) will face Shamil Musaev (20-0), the winner of the last welterweight tournament, for the vacant welterweight belt.

Originally, the card was supposed to feature a fight between dominant English champion Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) and Denise Kielholtz (8-5). However, the champion pulled out due to injury. As a result, Kielholtz will now face Brazilian fighter Antonia Silvaneide (9-4). While the matchup is not on the same level, it could still deliver an entertaining fight.

Elsewhere on the card, French showman Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov (19-1) returns against Kendly St. Louis (11-5). Abdouraguimov was initially scheduled to fight Magomed Magomedov (18-1), but the Russian withdrew due to injury. A win here could potentially earn Abdouraguimov a title shot against the winner of the co-main event.

Later on, undefeated Salamat Isbulaev (9-0) takes on former UFC fighter Jesus Pinedo (25-7) in his first fight with the organization. It’s a crucial test for Isbulaev against a dangerous puncher capable of creating chaos at any moment.

To open the main card, the PFL will look to build hype around undefeated Emirati heavyweight Pouya Rahmani (5-0), who faces Karl Williams (10-4), a fighter coming off three consecutive losses. A potential highlight finish could be on the agenda.

On the preliminary card, Taylor Lapilus (23-4) will try to secure a title shot against Kasum Kasumov (16-2) in the bantamweight division. Former Eagle FC champion Renat Khavalov (10-0) continues his rise against Emirati fighter Edgars Skrivers (17-4).

Taking place during what could be considered one of the weakest weekends of the year for the UFC, with an Apex event headlined by Mario Bautista vs Vinicius Oliveira, the PFL, the second-biggest MMA organization in the world, is looking to make a statement with this strong card. But with European broadcast times, is it really the best strategy to grow its audience ?