In the first clash of PFL Welterweights of the evening and the first bout of the ESPN card, Challenger Series standout Jarrah Al Silawi (18-3) meets the undefeated Magomed Umalatov (11-0) in a bout that is sure to produce fireworks! With 3 points after a razor close split decision in his PFL debut, Al Silawi will clinch a Playoff spot with any finish while Umalatov will most likely need an early finish in his 1st and only regular season bout to keep his Playoff hopes alive.

 

Al Silawi carries a 5 fight unbeaten streak into this bout, including his PFL debut over Gleison Tibau and his contract clinching 1st round KO on the Challenger Series. A former Brave double champion, the 1st Jordanian to compete in the PFL will be looking to lock up his PFL Playoff spot with any finish in the SmartCage tonight.

 

Meanwhile, Magomed “Prince” Umalatov has yet to be defeated in his professional MMA career, boasting a perfect 11-0 record that includes 10 finishes. Incredibly, 7 of those 10 finishes have come in the first round, meaning Umalatov certainly has the skill and pedigree to finish this fight fast and possibly earn himself a Playoff spot in a wide open Welterweight field.

 

 

Round 1 

 

The fighters touch gloves and our ESPN card is underway!  Umalatov will need an early finish to keep his Playoff hopes alive and it will be interesting to see what his strategy looks like early.

 

Through 1 minute it’s been all feeling out as both fighters seem to respect the power and skill of their opponent.  Umalatov is able to use his footwork to get Al Silawi pressed into the fence and he seems to want to get this fight to the ground rather than strike with the Jordanian Lion.

 

2 minutes in and the output has been very low as both fighters look for openings and counters.  Umalatov throws a front kick that doesn’t connect and Al Silawi fires back with a 1-2 but also can’t find the target.  Al Silawi throws a nice lead hook on the entry as Umalatov looks to clinch, but Al Silawi is able to break and maintain distance.  

 

Umalatov rushes in, but can’t land clean before Umalatov lands a backfist that gets Al Silawi’s attention.  Umalatov follows it up with a MASSIVE overhand right and he turns the lights out! Al Silawi is out cold and Umatalov earns his 8th 1st round finish, improving his record to a perfect 12-0.

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT 

 

Magomed Umalatov delivers the goods, needing and getting a 1st round finish to keep his hopes at a PFL World Championship alive!

 

Magomed Umalatov def. Jarrah Al Silawi via 1st Round KO (3:33)