PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Khabib Nabiev (11-0-0) vs. Ahmed Sami (12-4-0)

PFL Dubai kicks off the promotion’s 2026 season with a light heavyweight prelim bout between unbeaten Dagestani prospect Khabib Nabiev and Egyptian veteran Ahmed “Lee” Sami. Nabiev, a wrestling powerhouse with finishing ability, makes his PFL debut after a dominant run in UAE Warriors and Eagle FC, aiming to extend his perfect record. Sami, a versatile fighter with knockout power and submissions, looks to rebound from a mixed recent form and score a signature win. This three-round clash adds regional flavor to a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis, marking PFL’s continued expansion in the Middle East.

Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (indoor arena with capacity around 17,000; a hub for major MMA events in the region).

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 a preliminary bout, Nabiev vs. Sami is expected around 9:30-10:30 a.m. ET.

Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.); Starzplay (MENA region).

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of February 3, 2026. Nabiev has no history of recent setbacks, entering with a clean bill of health after his August 2025 win. Sami also reports no issues, with his last bout in January 2025 ending without complications. Both passed pre-fight medicals, and no last-minute concerns have surfaced in promotional updates or media.

Fighter Matchups

This three-round light heavyweight (205 lbs) prelim bout pits Nabiev’s Dagestani wrestling and finishing prowess against Sami’s versatile striking and submissions. Key elements:

Grappling vs. Versatility: Nabiev averages 3.5 takedowns per 15 minutes with 70% success, excelling in ground control and transitions to submissions (5 career subs) or TKO (4 wins). Sami defends 65% of takedowns but counters with his own grappling (3 subs), preferring stand-up where he lands 4.0 significant strikes per minute with knockout power (6 KO/TKO wins).

Physical Attributes: Nabiev (6’1″, age 27) uses height and reach for clinch entries and top pressure. Sami (6’0″, 72″ reach, age 31) has a slight reach edge but relies on explosiveness; his experience could help in scrambles, but Nabiev’s youth may aid in pace.

Experience and Style: Nabiev (11 fights) is unbeaten with all finishes in his early career but recent decisions; he trains under elite Dagestani coaches. Sami (16 fights) is battle-tested with a 50% KO rate but has losses to top competition, mixing decisions and finishes.

Intangibles: Nabiev’s momentum and Khabib Nurmagomedov-inspired style could overwhelm; Sami’s resilience (never stopped by strikes) might force a decision. Neutral venue, but Nabiev’s Russian roots draw support in Dubai.

The fight likely ends by finish if Nabiev secures top position, or goes to cards if Sami keeps it standing.

Recent Form

Khabib Nabiev (11-0): Undefeated with a mix of finishes. Form: W-W-W-W-W (strong wrestling, recent subs/TKOs).

Ahmed Sami (12-4): On a one-fight win streak after ups and downs. Form: W-L-W-W-L (versatile, with KO power but decision losses).

Fighter	Pro Record	Finish Rate	Last 5 Fights	Sig. Strikes Landed/Min	Takedowns/15 Min
Khabib Nabiev	11-0	82% (4 KO/TKO, 5 Subs)	W-TKO (Kolobegov, Aug 2025), W-Sub (Ribeiro, Jan 2025), W-Sub (Souto, Jul 2024), W-TKO (Rezaei, Feb 2024), W-Sub (Taalaybek, Oct 2023)	3.2	3.5
Ahmed Sami	12-4	75% (6 KO/TKO, 3 Subs)	W-TKO (Suleiman, Jan 2025), L-Dec (Belgaroui, Feb 2024), W-TKO (Horvath, Oct 2023), W-Sub (Osseili, May 2023), L-TKO (Fazli, Mar 2023)	4.0	1.5

Fight History

No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Nabiev has never faced an opponent like Sami’s style, but he’s 4-0 vs. versatile fighters recently, all by finish. Sami is 3-2 vs. grapplers, with wins via KO but losses by decision/TKO.

FIGHT ODDS

Khabib Nabiev – 1200

Ahmed Sami + 700

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026