Brendan Loughnane is one step closer to another $1 million payday after securing his place in the 2024 PFL featherweight finals with a hard-fought victory over Kai Kamaka III. The bout headlined PFL 9, which took place on Friday at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Loughnane, the 2022 PFL champion, entered the fight as the No. 1 seed in the featherweight division after an impressive regular season. Facing No. 4 seed Kamaka, Loughnane (30-5) showcased his striking prowess early on, nearly finishing the fight in the opening round. A spinning back kick to Kamaka’s body followed by a barrage of punches and knees put the UFC veteran in serious trouble. Kamaka (14-6-1) managed to survive the onslaught and regrouped in the later rounds, trading blows with Loughnane and making the final ten minutes highly competitive. However, Loughnane’s consistent use of long jabs and spinning attacks secured him a split decision victory with scores of 29-28, 28-29, and 30-27.
Loughnane will face Timur Khizriev (17-0), the No. 3 seed, in the $1 million featherweight final. Khizriev, a Bellator import, continued his unbeaten streak with a split decision win over No. 2 seed Gabriel Braga (14-2). Khizriev dominated much of the fight, outstriking Braga over 15 minutes to earn a pair of 30-27 scores from judges Bryan Miner and Rick Winter. However, judge David Tirelli controversially scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Braga, a decision that echoed his dissenting scorecard in Loughnane vs. Kamaka.
In the co-main event, Magomed Umalatov (17-0), the No. 2 welterweight seed, outpointed Neiman Gracie (13-6) to secure his spot in the PFL finals. Umalatov started strong, battering Gracie with right hands, left hooks, and quick one-twos, leaving the Brazilian bloodied. Gracie rallied in the third round, threatening with several submission attempts, including a gogoplata and calf slicers, but Umalatov’s early lead was enough to earn the judges’ favor with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
Umalatov will meet fellow Russian Shamil Musaev (19-0-1) in the $1 million welterweight final. Musaev, the No. 1 seed, dominated No. 4 seed Murad Ramazanov (12-2) for the second time this season, earning a unanimous decision victory. Utilizing relentless pressure and a high-paced attack both on the feet and in the grappling exchanges, Musaev secured scores of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27.
The main card capped off a night of action that saw seven consecutive decisions in a nine-fight event, setting the stage for the upcoming PFL finals, where Loughnane and Musaev will each look to claim the $1 million prize.
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