Timur Khizriev spoiled Brendan Loughnane’s fourth attempt at winning PFL gold.
Khizriev defeated Loughnane in a unanimous decision in the main event of 2024 PFL Championship this Friday at King Saudi University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was almost a flawless performance, as Khizriev (18-0) won 50-45 and two 49-46 scorecards, beating Loughnane (30-6) with no controversy. The undefeated Dagestani wins the 2024 PFL featherweight title and the $1 million prize.
Khizriev pretty much dominated the action from the start to finish. He pressed Loughnane in relentless fashion while picking him apart with his boxing. As the rounds went on, Khizriev battered and bloodied Loughnane’s face. He also began using his wrestling more, and getting ahead even farther in the fight.
With this result, Khizriev maintained his undefeated record. This was the first time Khizriev participated in a PFL tournament. Prior to his 2024 participation, Khizriev competed under the Bellator banner, where he went 3-0. The 29-year-old adds Loughnane to the list of notable fighters he’s beat such as Enrique Barzola, Brett Johns, and Daniel Weichel.
For Loughnane, this was his 15th fight under the PFL banner and fourth season he’s competed in, as he fought in the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 featherweight tournaments. Out of all those seasons, the Englishman was able to crown himself champion in 2022. Loughnane made his first big waves in the MMA world after defeating Bill Algeo in a solid showing on Dana White Contender Series in 2019, yet, to many’s surprise, not getting a UFC contract while getting criticized by UFC CEO Dana White.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Championship.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: 2024 PFL Championship: Timur Khizriev dominates Brendan Loughnane to win featherweight title
