Fresh off his 2024 PFL championship win, Gadzhi Rabadanov wasted no time making another statement, securing a spectacular knockout victory over former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese in merely 32 seconds during the PFL 3 co-main event on Friday.
The bout commenced at a blistering pace. Diakiese initiated the striking exchanges with a kick, a maneuver that backfired significantly. Rabadanov expertly caught the leg, swiftly transitioning to a takedown and immediately unleashing a series of powerful ground and pound strikes.
The relentless assault quickly found its mark. A forceful right hand from Rabadanov connected devastatingly, instantly separating Diakiese from consciousness. Diakiese fell limp onto the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene without delay to halt the fight.
Diakiese remained on the ground for a moment following the stoppage before being assisted back to his stool.
The fight concluded in just 32 seconds, with Rabadanov earning the brutal knockout win.
Speaking after his decisive victory, Rabadanov offered a respectful reflection: “This is sport. I stay respectful for all my opponents. Of course, I have more motivation. I have to prove to people I deserve to be here. I prepared for this. It worked.”
He further commented on his opponent: “He has a family. He has his fans and I understand this guy. I don’t want to break somebody. I just want to win.”
Now boasting an impressive overall record and riding an **11-fight winning streak**, including five consecutive victories within the PFL organization, Rabadanov is strongly positioned as a favorite in the ongoing PFL lightweight tournament. His next challenge in the semifinals will be against Jay-Jay Wilson.
Murray Blackwood