PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Title Fight – Ramazan Kuramagomedov (13-0-0) vs. Shamil Musaev (20-0-1)
PFL Dubai serves as the promotion’s 2026 season opener, featuring a co-main event for the inaugural PFL welterweight title between undefeated Bellator import Ramazan Kuramagomedov and 2024 PFL tournament standout Shamil Musaev. Kuramagomedov, a well-rounded wrestler with finishing ability, captured the final Bellator welterweight belt in 2024 and enters PFL aiming to establish dominance. Musaev, a heavy-handed striker with elite grappling, won four fights in 2024 to reach this title shot, showcasing his ability to finish top competition. This five-round clash pits two unbeaten prospects in a high-stakes battle for gold, adding fireworks to a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis.
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (indoor arena with capacity around 17,000; a staple for major MMA events in the Middle East).
Start Time: Prelims at 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. local time in Dubai); Main Card at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. local). As the co-main event, Kuramagomedov vs. Musaev is expected around 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.); Starzplay (MENA region).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter entering the bout. Kuramagomedov has been inactive since June 2024 but shows no signs of lingering issues from his last fight against Jason Jackson. Musaev, fresh off a November 2024 TKO win, also reports full health with no setbacks noted in training camp or promotional materials.
Fighter Matchups
This five-round PFL welterweight title fight (170 lbs) pits Kuramagomedov’s grappling dominance and finishing ability against Musaev’s heavy-handed striking and resilience. Key breakdowns:
Grappling vs. Power Striking: Kuramagomedov averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with 70% success, excelling in top control and transitions to submissions or ground-and-pound (6 KO/TKO, 2 subs). Musaev lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute with knockout power (12 KO/TKO wins), defending 75% of takedowns but untested against elite wrestlers like Kuramagomedov.
Physical Attributes: Kuramagomedov (6’1″, 73″ reach, age 29) has a 3-inch height and reach edge over Musaev (5’10”, 72″ reach, age 32), aiding in clinch work and distance management. Musaev’s compact frame favors explosive power, but Kuramagomedov’s length could neutralize it in stand-up.
Experience and Style: Kuramagomedov (13 fights) thrives in control-based wrestling, with a perfect record including a win over former Bellator champ Jason Jackson. Musaev (21 fights) is a finisher with a 60% KO rate, but his draw and recent TKO over Umalatov show vulnerability in prolonged battles.
Intangibles: Both Russian, but Kuramagomedov’s Bellator pedigree and wrestling could overwhelm; Musaev’s power poses upset risk early. Five rounds favor Kuramagomedov’s cardio in a grappling-heavy affair.
The bout hinges on Kuramagomedov’s takedown success vs. Musaev’s striking defense.
Recent Form
Ramazan Kuramagomedov (13-0): On a 13-fight win streak, with dominant wrestling. Recent: W-UD (Jason Jackson, Jun 2024), W-TKO (Randall Wallace, Mar 2024), W-Sub (Jaleel Willis, Nov 2021), W-UD (John Howard, May 2021), W-UD (Matias Juarez, Mar 2021). Form: W-W-W-W-W (balanced, with finishes and decisions).
Shamil Musaev (20-0-1): On a five-fight win streak, with power striking. Recent: W-TKO R3 (Magomed Umalatov, Nov 2024), W-UD (Murad Ramazanov, Aug 2024), W-UD (Murad Ramazanov, Jun 2023), W-UD (Logan Storley, Apr 2023), W-TKO (Magne Djembo, Feb 2023). Form: W-W-W-W-W (striking-heavy, recent TKOs and decisions).
| Fighter | Pro Record | Finish Rate | Last 5 Fights | Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | Takedowns/15 Min |
| Ramazan Kuramagomedov | 13-0 | 62% (6 KO/TKO, 2 Subs) | W-UD (Jackson), W-TKO (Wallace), W-Sub (Willis), W-UD (Howard), W-UD (Juarez) | 3.5 | 3.2 |
| Shamil Musaev | 20-0-1 | 65% (12 KO/TKO, 1 Sub) | W-TKO (Umalatov), W-UD (Ramazanov), W-UD (Ramazanov), W-UD (Storley), W-TKO (Djembo) | 4.5 | 1.8 |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Kuramagomedov has never faced a striker of Musaev’s caliber, but he’s 3-0 against power punchers recently, all by decision or finish. Musaev is 4-0 vs. wrestlers in his streak, using striking to set up control.
FIGHT ODDS
Ramazan Kuramagomedov – 150
Shamil Musaev + 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
