The 2024 PFL World Championship delivered a night of unforgettable action, crowning new champions across six weight classes in what is considered one of the promotions finest events. With 16 thrilling fights, including 12 finishes—nine of them in championship bouts—the event showcased the future of MMA on a global stage. Here’s a breakdown of every new champion:
Featherweight: Timur Khizriev
Russia’s Timur Khizriev capped off a dominant season by annihilating Brendan Loughnane across five rounds to claim the $1 million prize and the PFL feather weight title. The undefeated fighter, now 18-0, proved once again why he is a nearly unstoppable force in the promotion.
Women’s Flyweight: Dakota Ditcheva
The breakout star of the night, Dakota Ditcheva, asserted herself as one of the top prospects in women’s MMA by defeating former UFC title contender Taila Santos in dominant fashion. Finishing the Brazilian in just two rounds, Ditcheva extended her perfect record to 14-0, with 12 of those victories coming by finish. With this win, she firmly established herself as a potential new face of PFL.
Light Heavyweight: Dovlet Yagshimuradov
Dovlet Yagshimuradov made quick work of Impa Kasangany, finishing the American in less than a minute to secure the light heavyweight championship and the $1 million prize. The Turkmenistani fighter’s explosive performance kept him at the top of the light heavy weight division.
Welterweight: Shamil Musaev
In a battle between two undefeated fighters, Shamil Musaev triumphed over Magomed Umalatov with a third-round knockout to claim the welterweight title and $1 million. Musaev’s victory extended his undefeated record to 36-0, reaffirming his status as a dominant force in the division.
Lightweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov
Gadzhi Rabadanov delivered a flawless 2024 season, finishing four fights with four wins, including two finishes. In the championship bout, Rabadanov handed MMA veteran Brent Primus his first KO/TKO loss in nearly two decades, earning both the lightweight title and a $1 million cash prize.
Heavyweight: Denis Goltsov
In a stunning upset, Denis Goltsov ended Oleg Popov’s 17 fight, eight year unbeaten streak with a first-round triangle choke submission. Goltsov’s dominant performance earned him the heavyweight title, and he boldly called out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in his post fight interview, signaling his readiness for even bigger challenges ahead.
With these sensational victories, PFL’s 2024 season concluded with a new wave of champions across its divisions, further cementing the promotions place as a global powerhouse in MMA.
