Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege earns spectacular knockout to win PFL lightweight world championship [VIDEO]
Another one of Khabib Nurmagomedov's talented proteges has brought gold to the team as he earned a spectacular knockout to win the 2024 PFL lightweight world championship. The event culminates the 2024 global season, which saw fighters compete in two round robin matchups before earning a berth to the final four.
'The Eagle's' protege Gadzhi Rabadanov had a stellar 2024 global season as he earned unanimous decision wins in the preliminary rounds followed by an impressive second-round knockout win over Michael Dufort in the semi-final.
The 31-year-old had a tough test in the final as he took on former Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus, who has notable wins over the likes of Michael Chandler and former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.
In addition to the 2024 PFL lightweight world championship being at stake, the winner was also set to receive the $1 million grand prize, and so there was plenty to fight for.
It was an incredible performance by the Dagestani as he dropped the American early in the second round and maintained control for the remainder of the round. In the third round, Rabadanov stunned Primus with a left-hook before dropping him with a combination and finishing him via strikes to earn the knockout win.
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege's knockout win over Brent Primus below:
Which of Khabib Nurmagomedov's other proteges have won a major championship?
Khabib Nurmagomedov has proven to be an excellent mentor to his fighters as he now has three proteges that have won major championships.
In addition to Gadzhi Rabadanov capturing the 2024 PFL lightweight world championship, Nurmagomedov has helped mentor two other lightweight champions. 'The Eagle's cousin, Usman is the reigning Bellator lightweight champion, while his close friend and teammate Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion.
Nurmagomedov also has an opportunity to mentor a potential UFC bantamweight champion. His cousin, Umar is in the title picture and could earn the next title shot against Merab Dvalishvili.
Check out Ali Abdelaziz's post celebrating Khabib Nurmagomedov's success as a coach below: