Gadzhi Rabadanov picked up right where he left off after winning the 2024 PFL championship with a stunning knockout over ex-UFC fighter Marc Diakiese in just 32 seconds at the PFL 3 co-main event on Friday.
The fight played out in rapid fire fashion with Diakiese looking to showcase his striking when he threw a kick at the Russian but that maneuver backfired spectacularly. Rabadanov caught the kick, which led to a quick takedown and the Russian immediately started launching a series of devastating punches.
The shots started breaking through with a right hand from Rabadanov absolutely blasting Diakiese and separating him from consciousness as he fell limp on the canvas and the referee quickly rushed in to stop the contest.
Diakiese stayed down on the ground for a few moments before he was able to get back up to a stool.
The fight landed just 32 seconds with Rabadanov scoring the vicious knockout.
“This is sport. I stay respectful for all my opponents,” Rabadanov said after his latest win. “Of course, I have more motivation. I have to prove to people I deserve to be here. I prepared for this. It worked.
“He has a family. He has his fans and I understand this guy. I don’t want to break somebody. I just want to win.”
Now riding an impressive 11 fight win streak overall including five straight victories in the PFL, Rabadanov is undoubtedly a heavy favorite to win the ongoing PFL lightweight tournament and he next faces Jay-Jay Wilson in the semifinals.
