Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov: Live round-by-round updates
Nathan Kelly looks to continue building momentum in a PFL featherweight matchup against Akhmed Magomedov.
Kelly's professional MMA career didn't start as planned. The SBG Ireland affiliate lost his first two fights after an impressive amateur run, creating questions about his potential. Kelly has since bounced back with eleven consecutive wins, pushing his professional record to 11-2.
On Saturday, January 25, Kelly will be featured on the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series main card. The Irish featherweight is coming into his latest fight as a slight underdog against Russia's Magomedov, who holds a professional record of 10-1.
Magomedov started his professional journey similar to most high-level Russian fighters, winning ten consecutive fights. In February 2023, the Dagestan native suffered his first defeat, a unanimous decision against Henry Corales, and hasn't fought since.
Magomedov has been sidelined for nearly two years to improve his overall skillset. Later this week, the 28-year-old plans to put the PFL featherweight division on notice by ending Kelly's six-year-long winning streak.
PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes will feature eleven fights, including the Bellator lightweight title main event between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. The event will air live on MAX on Saturday, January 25, starting at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT.
Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov is scheduled as the third to last matchup, which is expected to take place roughly two and a half hours after the event begins. The featherweight bout could start sooner or later depending on the pacing of the other fights.
Watch the final faceoff between Kelly and Magomedov below:
Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov
Round 1:
Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov is underway. Both fighters come out utilizing their feints. They exchange leg kicks. Kelly lands a massive calf kick. Magomedov switches his stance due to the damage.
Magomedov shoots for a takedown. Kelly was ready and pushes Magomedov away. Magomedov closes the distance and slams Kelly down. Kelly quickly returns to his feet. Magomedov has him against the cage.
Kelly pushes Magomedov off and lands a devastating elbow. Magomedov is hurt badly. Magomedov falls backward and goes down. Kelly gets to the top position, rotates to side control, and moves to the back.
Magomedov is trying to shake off the cobwebs. Magomedov reverses the position and pushes Kelly to the cage. Magomedov is bleeding badly from the previously mentioned elbow. Magomedov lands a knee to the groin in the clinch. The fight is temporarily stopped so that Kelly can recover.
Magomedov times a takedown perfectly once the fight restarted. The cut above Magomedov's left eye could potentially stop this fight. Magomedov denied Kelly's attempt to get back to his feet and made him pay with ground and pound.
Magomedov is reigning down ground and pound. The momentum has completely shifted. Tough round to score.
Round 2:
Akhmed Magomedov rushes forward and quickly brings Nathan Kelly back to the ground. Kelly is pushed against the fence while Magomedov locks up a dominant position. Kelly temporarily gets back to his knees.
Magomedov moves to Kelly's back for a moment before rotating over to full mount. Magomedov is starting to pepper in some ground and pound. Kelly is struggling to get out of Magomedov's control.
The fans are booing because of Magomedov's lack of finishing attempts. Magomedov is waiting for Kelly to make a mistake to go for the finish. Kelly looks defeated. Magomedov is slowly increasing his ground and pound volume.
The referee is keeping a close eye on Kelly. Magomedov rotates to the back and locks in a rear-naked choke. Kelly taps. This fight is over.
Official Result: Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 4:22