PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Pouya Rahmani (5-0-0) vs. Karl Williams (10-4-0)
PFL Dubai marks the promotion’s 2026 season opener, featuring a heavyweight matchup on the main card between unbeaten Iranian prospect Pouya Rahmani and American veteran Karl Williams. Rahmani, a rising star based in the UAE with all first-round finishes, aims to make a statement in his second PFL appearance after a quick TKO in his debut. Williams, a wrestling specialist from Xtreme Couture, returns after a mixed 2025 campaign, looking to use his grappling to ground the hype train. This three-round bout adds power 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 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 main card bout, Rahmani vs. Williams is expected around 1:00-2:00 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. Rahmani competed without issues in his October 2025 debut, and Williams has no documented setbacks from his 2025 losses. Both appear fully healthy based on pre-fight media and updates from their camps.
Fighter Matchups
This heavyweight (265 lbs) main card bout contrasts Rahmani’s explosive finishing ability against Williams’s wrestling base and durability. Key elements:
Power vs. Wrestling: Rahmani boasts a 100% finish rate (all 5 wins by TKO in round one), using explosive striking and ground-and-pound. Williams averages 2.5 takedowns per 15 minutes with 65% success, preferring control and decisions (4 of 10 wins by UD), but he’s vulnerable to power (2 KO losses).
Physical Attributes: Rahmani (6’4″, 74″ reach, age 25) has a 1-inch height advantage over Williams (6’3″, 79″ reach, age 36), aiding in range striking. Williams’s longer reach could help in clinches, but his age may impact cardio against Rahmani’s youth.
Experience and Style: Rahmani (5 fights) is a prospect with all early finishes, untested in deep waters. Williams (14 fights) is a veteran with PFL experience, strong in wrestling but 2-2 in his last 4.
Intangibles: Rahmani’s UAE base draws local support; Williams’s wrestling could neutralize early, but Rahmani’s power poses knockout threat.
The fight likely ends early if Rahmani lands clean, or by decision if Williams grinds it out.
Recent Form
Pouya Rahmani (5-0): Undefeated with all first-round TKOs. Recent: W-TKO1 (Slim Trabelsi, Oct 2025), W-TKO1 (Previous four, all 2024-2025). Form: W-W-W-W-W (explosive finisher).
Karl Williams (10-4): 2-2 in last 4, with strong wrestling. Recent: L-KO (Sergey Bilostenniy, 2025), W-SD (Oleg Popov, 2025), L (Prior), W (Two prior). Form: L-W-L-W-W (durable grappler).
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Rahmani is untested against wrestlers like Williams, but his power has overwhelmed all opponents. Williams is 3-2 vs. prospects, with wins by decision but losses by KO.
FIGHT ODDS
Pouya Rahmani – 300
Karl Williams + 240
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
