PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Renat Khavalov (10-0-0) vs. Edgars Skrivers (17-4-0)
PFL Dubai, the promotion’s first event of 2026 in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, features a featherweight prelim bout between unbeaten Dagestani prospect Renat Khavalov and veteran Latvian striker Edgars Skrivers. Khavalov, a Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé known for his explosive finishes and grappling, makes his PFL debut aiming to extend his perfect record. Skrivers, a former Karate Combat champion fighting out of Dubai, brings striking flair and experience, looking to upset the hype train in this three-round clash. The fight adds to a stacked 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 key venue 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 card bout (sixth of 13 fights), Khavalov vs. Skrivers is expected around 10:00-11:00 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. Khavalov has no history of recent setbacks, entering with a clean bill of health after his 2025 wins. Skrivers, who competed in Karate Combat and MMA in 2025, also shows no lingering issues from his bouts, including his February 2025 submission win. Both passed pre-fight medicals without concerns, per promotional and fighter updates.
Fighter Matchups
This three-round featherweight (145 lbs) prelim bout contrasts Khavalov’s Dagestani grappling and explosiveness with Skrivers’ striking background and resilience. Key elements:
Grappling vs. Striking: Khavalov excels in takedowns (averages 4.5 per 15 minutes with 75% success) and ground control, with 70% of wins by TKO from dominant positions. Skrivers, a former Karate Combat champion, lands 4.8 significant strikes per minute with knockout power (7 KO/TKO wins) and solid takedown defense (72%), but he’s vulnerable if taken down (1 submission loss).
Physical Attributes: Khavalov (5’7″, 64″ reach, age 27) uses speed and wrestling for control. Skrivers (5’8″, 67″ reach, age 34) has a slight height/reach edge, aiding distance striking, but his age could factor in cardio against Khavalov’s youth.
Experience and Style: Khavalov (10 pro fights) is unbeaten with Dagestani pressure, training under Khabib. Skrivers (21 pro fights) mixes karate-style striking with submissions (5 wins), but his recent activity includes non-MMA (Karate Combat), potentially affecting MMA sharpness.
Intangibles: Khavalov’s momentum and Khabib’s cornering (for multiple fighters) boost him; Skrivers, representing UAE, draws local support but faces a stylistic nightmare if grounded.
The fight likely ends early if Khavalov dominates on the mat, or goes to decision if Skrivers keeps it standing.
Recent Form
Renat Khavalov (10-0): Undefeated with dominant finishes and decisions. A Khabib protégé, he’s overwhelmed opponents in PFL and regional circuits. Form: W-W-W-W-W (high finish rate, strong wrestling).
Edgars Skrivers (17-4): Veteran with a mix of striking and grappling wins, but recent losses in high-level striking bouts. Strong rebound potential in MMA. Form: W-L-W-W-L (versatile, but inconsistent against elites).
| Fighter | Pro Record | Finish Rate | Last 5 Fights | Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | Takedowns/15 Min | Age |
| Renat Khavalov | 10-0 | 70% (7 KO/TKO) | W-TKO1 (Ndregjoni, 2025), W-UD (Fernandes, 2025), W-TKO2 (Yoshino, 2023), W-UD (Ondar, 2022), W-TKO3 (Amaev, 2022) | 3.8 | 4.5 | 27 |
| Edgars Skrivers | 17-4 | 70% (7 KO/TKO, 5 Subs) | W-Sub2 (Skujins, 2025), L-UD (Rind, 2025), L-TKO (Satiev, 2024), L-UD (Rocha, 2023), W-SD (Varga, 2023) | 4.8 | 1.2 | 34 |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Khavalov is 3-0 vs. strikers in recent bouts, all by TKO. Skrivers is 2-2 vs. grapplers, with wins via decision but losses by decision/TKO.
FIGHT ODDS
Renat Khavalov – 1200
Edgars Skrivers + 850
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
