PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Abdoul Abdouraguimov (19-1-0) vs. Kendly St. Louis (11-5-0)
PFL Dubai kicks off the promotion’s 2026 season with a compelling welterweight matchup on the main card between French sensation Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov and American veteran Kendly “The Highlander” St. Louis. Abdouraguimov, a former ARES FC champion with a dominant grappling game, makes his PFL debut after a year-long layoff, looking to extend his 10-fight win streak. St. Louis steps in on short notice, replacing Magomed Umalatov, and aims to capitalize on his recent momentum with an upset. This three-round bout adds international flavor 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 premier venue for 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 main card bout (fight 11 of 13), Abdouraguimov vs. St. Louis 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 as of February 3, 2026. Abdouraguimov returns after a year of inactivity but has no documented setbacks from his last bout in 2024. St. Louis accepted the short-notice fight without issues, and both passed pre-fight medicals with clean bills of health according to promotional updates.
Fighter Matchups
This welterweight (170 lbs) main card bout pits Abdouraguimov’s elite grappling and control against St. Louis’s versatile striking and resilience. Key elements:
Grappling vs. Striking: Abdouraguimov averages 4.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with 68% success, excelling in top control and transitions to submissions (6 career subs) or ground-and-pound. St. Louis lands 3.8 significant strikes per minute with knockout power (5 KO/TKO wins), defending 72% of takedowns but vulnerable if grounded (2 sub losses).
Physical Attributes: Abdouraguimov (5’10”, 71″ reach, age 30) uses length for clinch entries and jabs. St. Louis (5’11”, 77″ reach, age 35) has a reach edge for distance striking, but his age may affect cardio against Abdouraguimov’s youth and pace.
Experience and Style: Abdouraguimov (20 fights) is a finisher (55% rate) with wrestling-heavy style. St. Louis (16 fights) is durable (never stopped by strikes) with a 50% KO rate, mixing decisions and finishes.
Intangibles: Abdouraguimov’s momentum and “Lazy King” persona add flair; St. Louis’s short-notice status could lead to an aggressive upset bid. Neutral venue favors Abdouraguimov with regional support.
The fight likely ends by finish if Abdouraguimov secures top position, or by decision if St. Louis keeps it standing.
Recent Form
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (19-1): On a 10-fight win streak, with dominant performances. Recent: W-TKO (2024), W-Sub (2022), W-UD (2022), W-Sub (2021), W-TKO (2021). Form: W-W-W-W-W (grappling-focused, high finish rate).
Kendly St. Louis (11-5): 4-1 in last 5, with power striking. Recent: L-UD (2025), W-TKO (2023), W-TKO (2023), W-TKO (2023), W-UD (2022). Form: L-W-W-W-W (striking-heavy, resilient chin).
| Fighter | Pro Record | Finish Rate | Last 5 Fights | Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | Takedowns/15 Min |
| Abdoul Abdouraguimov | 19-1 | 55% (5 KO/TKO, 6 Subs) | W-TKO, W-Sub, W-UD, W-Sub, W-TKO | 3.5 | 4.2 |
| Kendly St. Louis | 11-5 | 45% (5 KO/TKO, 0 Subs) | L-UD, W-TKO, W-TKO, W-TKO, W-UD | 3.8 | 1.2 |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Abdouraguimov is 5-0 against versatile strikers recently, often by finish. St. Louis is 3-2 vs. grapplers, with wins by TKO but losses by decision.
FIGHT ODDS
Abdoul Abdouraguimov – 600
Kendly St. Louis + 400
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
