The Professional Fighters League returns to the Middle East with a blockbuster card to kick off its 2026 campaign. PFL Champions Series 5 lands at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on February 7, featuring a lightweight championship super-fight that has the entire MMA world buzzing. In the main event, undefeated Bellator and PFL sensation Usman Nurmagomedov defends his crown against the 2025 PFL Lightweight Tournament winner, Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis.
This “Road to Dubai” event is more than just a title defense; it is a clash of philosophies. On one side, you have the suffocating, calculated dominance of the Dagestani school. On the other, the erratic, high-volume freestyle karate of a British striking specialist who just completed a Cinderella run through the 2025 season. With a co-main event featuring two undefeated welterweight monsters, this card is a must-watch for combat sports purists.
Fight Card Information
- Event: PFL Champions Series 5: Nurmagomedov vs. Davis
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE
- Start Time: Prelims at 9:00 AM ET | Main Card at 12:00 PM ET
- Broadcast: ESPN App (USA), DAZN (International)
Main Card
- Lightweight Title: Usman Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Alfie Davis
- Welterweight Title: Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs. Shamil Musaev
- Welterweight: Magomed Umalatov vs. Abdoul Abdouraguimov
- Featherweight: Jesus Pinedo vs. Salamat Isbulaev
- Heavyweight: Pouya Rahmani vs. Karl Williams
Main Event Breakdown: Styles Make Fights
The matchup between Usman Nurmagomedov and Alfie Davis is a fascinating study in contrast. Nurmagomedov, the cousin of legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, has looked virtually untouchable, amassing a flawless 21-0 record. His 2025 campaign was defined by back-to-back victories over Irish star Paul Hughes, where he showcased an evolved striking game to complement his elite grappling pedigree. Usman isn’t just a wrestler; he is a dynamic kicker who uses his long range to frustrate opponents before dragging them into deep waters.
Alfie Davis, however, presents a puzzle Usman has never solved. The Englishman had a breakout 2025, winning the PFL Lightweight Tournament by defeating heavy hitters like Clay Collard and former champion Brent Primus. Davis operates effectively from a wide, karate-style stance, using lateral movement and axe kicks to disrupt rhythm. His ability to fight off his back foot and land counters from obscure angles makes him dangerous for a pressure fighter like Usman.
Key Stats & Path to Victory
For Nurmagomedov, the key lies in cutting off the cage. Davis thrives in open space where he can dart in and out. If Usman can pin Davis against the fence, his chain wrestling should be overwhelming. Davis has struggled historically when forced to carry the weight of a grappler for three or five rounds.
For Davis, the path to the upset involves volume and unpredictability. He cannot afford to settle into a rhythm. He must use his teep kicks to manage distance and force Usman to shoot from too far out. If Davis can stuff the first few takedown attempts and make this a kickboxing match, his speed advantage could shock the Dubai crowd.
Co-Main Event: The Battle of the Undefeated
If the main event is a style clash, the co-main event is a collision of immovable objects. The vacant Welterweight Title is on the line as Ramazan Kuramagomedov takes on Shamil Musaev. Both men are undefeated Russian standouts with terrifying resumes.
Kuramagomedov, a former Bellator champion, is a technical marvel with crisp boxing and suffocating top control. Musaev, the “Silent Assassin,” tore through the 2025 PFL season with violent efficiency. This fight has “Fight of the Night” written all over it, as both men look to secure their legacy as the best welterweight outside the UFC.
The “People’s Main Event”: The Lazy King Returns
Buried in the middle of the main card is perhaps the most technically intriguing bout of the night: Magomed Umalatov vs. Abdoul Abdouraguimov. Abdouraguimov, known as “The Lazy King,” has built a cult following for his nonchalant demeanor and lethal submission game. His grappling is creative, fluid, and often undefendable.
He faces Magomed Umalatov, a powerhouse who has knocked out nearly everyone in his path. For Abdouraguimov, a win here validates his hype against a top-tier contender. For Umalatov, it’s a chance to prove he can handle elite-level grappling. Do not miss this fight.
FAQ: PFL Champions Series 5
What time does the main event start?
The main card begins at 12:00 PM ET (9:00 PM local time in Dubai). Expect Usman Nurmagomedov and Alfie Davis to walk to the cage around 2:30 PM ET.
How can I watch PFL Dubai in the US?
The entire event will stream exclusively on the ESPN App (ESPN+ subscription required).
Is this a tournament fight?
No. The “Champions Series” events are standalone super-fights. While Alfie Davis won the 2025 tournament, this bout is for the linear PFL Lightweight World Championship.
Who is the favorite in the main event?
Usman Nurmagomedov opens as a significant favorite (-400) due to his undefeated record and wrestling dominance, while Davis is a live underdog (+300) for bettors looking for value.