Gadzhi Rabadanov picked up right where he left off after winning the 2024 PFL championship. In the co-main event of PFL 3 on Friday, he delivered a stunning knockout against former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese, needing only 32 seconds.
The fight began at a furious pace. Diakiese attempted to showcase his striking by throwing a kick, but this move spectacularly backfired. Rabadanov skillfully caught the kick, quickly secured a takedown, and immediately started unleashing a barrage of powerful ground and pound punches.
Rabadanov`s strikes were effective, with a particularly devastating right hand connecting and rendering Diakiese unconscious. As Diakiese fell limply to the canvas, the referee swiftly stepped in to stop the contest. Diakiese remained on the ground briefly before being helped to his corner stool.
The official time of the stoppage was just 32 seconds, marking a vicious knockout victory for Rabadanov.
“This is a sport. I stay respectful for all my opponents,” Rabadanov commented after his 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 holding an impressive 11-fight overall winning streak, including five straight victories in the PFL, Rabadanov is widely seen as a strong favorite to claim the ongoing PFL lightweight tournament title. He is scheduled to face Jay-Jay Wilson in the semifinals next.
