MMA Match Preview: Magomed Magomedov (21-5) vs. Sergio Pettis (27-5)
Venue & Event Details
Location: Coca‑Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Time: Main card began 7:30 p.m. local (11:30 a.m. ET)
Promotion: PFL Champions Series: Dubai
Format: 3‑round bantamweight bout
Injury Report
Sergio Pettis: Entered healthy, coming off a June 2025 win over Raufeon Stots.
Magomed Magomedov: No reported injuries; fully fit after a strong 2024 campaign.
Fighter Matchups
Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis (25‑7)
Style: Creative striker with unorthodox spinning attacks.
Strengths: Precision striking, composure under pressure, championship experience (former Bellator bantamweight champion).
Recent Form: Two straight wins in 2025, including the KO of Magomedov. Previously defeated Stots by decision.
Keys to Win: Stay patient, capitalize on openings, use striking variety to offset Magomedov’s grappling.
Magomed “Tiger” Magomedov (21‑5)
Style: Dagestani grappler with strong top control.
Strengths: Relentless takedowns, positional dominance, pressure.
Recent Form: Was controlling Pettis for much of their fight before the KO. Entered on a 3‑fight win streak in 2024.
Keys to Win: Chain wrestling, avoid striking exchanges in open space, maintain composure against Pettis’ counters.
Fight History
October 3, 2025 (PFL Dubai): Pettis knocked out Magomedov with a spinning back elbow at 4:31 of Round 2.
Prior Careers: Pettis previously stunned Kyoji Horiguchi in 2021 with a spinning backfist KO; Magomedov had Bellator wins over Stots and Barzola before joining PFL.
Betting Trends
Pettis: Known for dramatic comeback KOs (Horiguchi 2021, Magomedov 2025). Durable, rarely finished.
Magomedov: 14 career finishes, but 4 of 5 losses now by KO/TKO.
Head‑to‑Head: First meeting ended in a highlight‑reel KO for Pettis despite Magomedov’s early dominance.
FIGHT ODDS
Magomed Magomedov – 160
Sergio Pettis + 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 2, 2025
