PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Haider Khan (10-1-0) vs. Jhony Gregory (10-5-0)

PFL Dubai serves as the kickoff event for the Professional Fighters League’s 2026 season, featuring a middleweight prelim bout between British-Pakistani prospect Haider “Darth” Khan and Brazilian veteran Jhony Gregory. Khan, known for his versatile finishing ability and strong grappling base, enters as a heavy favorite in his PFL debut, looking to extend his six-fight win streak. Gregory, a durable fighter with knockout power, aims to play spoiler after a solid recent run interrupted by a loss. This three-round matchup adds international intrigue to a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis, highlighting PFL’s growing presence in the Middle East.

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). The Khan vs. Gregory fight is on the prelims, 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 leading into the bout. Khan has had no documented setbacks since his last fight in September 2024, and Gregory competed without issues in his August 2025 victory. Both appear to be at full strength based on pre-fight media and promotional updates, with no last-minute concerns noted at weigh-ins.

Fighter Matchups

This middleweight (185 lbs) prelim clash features Khan’s well-rounded grappling and finishing ability against Gregory’s durable striking and veteran savvy. Key breakdowns:

Grappling vs. Durability: Khan averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes with 65% success, often transitioning to submissions or ground-and-pound (4 KO/TKO, 3 subs). Gregory defends 70% of takedowns and prefers stand-up, where he lands 3.5 significant strikes per minute, but he’s been finished 4 times (all by TKO).

Physical Advantages: Khan (6’0″, 74″ reach, age 25) uses height and reach for clinch control and jabs. Gregory (5’11”, 72″ reach, age 38) has power but may tire against Khan’s youth and pace in later rounds.

Experience and Style: Khan (11 fights) is unbeaten with a 64% finish rate, favoring grappling. Gregory (15 fights) is experienced but has a 4-4 record in his last 8, mixing TKOs (5 wins) and decisions.

Intangibles: Khan’s knockout prediction and home-region support in Dubai could boost him; Gregory’s age (38) and recent losses may hinder resilience.

The bout likely ends inside the distance if Khan secures control, or by decision if Gregory weathers early pressure.

Recent Form

Haider Khan (10-1): On a six-fight win streak, mixing finishes. Form: W-TKO (Kolobegov), W-Sub (Ribeiro), W-Sub (Souto), W-TKO (Rezaei), W-Sub (Taalaybek).

Jhony Gregory (10-5): 6-4 in last 10, with recent wins by TKO. Form: W-TKO (Miguel), L-UD (Pinas), W (Jose), W-TKO (Coutinho), W-TKO (Luiz).

Fight History

No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Khan is 5-0 vs. versatile fighters in his streak, often by finish. Gregory is 3-2 vs. grapplers recently, with wins by TKO but losses by decision.

FIGHT ODDS

Haider Khan                       – 400

Jhony Gregory                   + 300

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