Sergei Bilostenniy Shocks Vadim Nemkov to Capture Heavyweight Championship
Date: November 14, 2026
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
PFL delivered an exciting night of mixed martial arts action in Dubai, highlighted by a major heavyweight championship upset.
Sergei Bilostenniy defeated defending champion Vadim Nemkov by unanimous decision after five rounds to become the new PFL Heavyweight World Champion.
Bilostenniy overcame an early submission threat before taking control with his striking and securing the biggest victory of his career.
Main Event – Heavyweight Championship
Sergei Bilostenniy defeats Vadim Nemkov
Nemkov entered the championship fight looking to establish his position as the division’s leading heavyweight
However, Bilostenniy delivered an impressive five-round performance.
His striking, composure and ability to survive Nemkov’s grappling attack proved decisive.
Nemkov was unable to maintain control as the fight progressed, and Bilostenniy earned the judges’ decision.
Result: Bilostenniy captures the PFL Heavyweight Championship.
Co-Main Event – Welterweight
Patrick Habirora defeats Omar El Dafrawy
Patrick Habirora continued his undefeated run with an impressive first-round guillotine choke submission.
The Belgian contender demonstrated that he is more than just a powerful striker.
His grappling performance was outstanding, and he made a major statement in the welterweight division.
Habirora called for a shot at the PFL World Welterweight Championship following the victory.
Main Card Results
Sergei Bilostenniy vs. Vadim Nemkov Bilostenniy – UD
Patrick Habirora vs. Omar El Dafrawy Habirora – Submission R1
Oleg Popov vs. Pouya Rahmani Popov – UD
Joji Goto vs. Sergio Pettis Goto – UD
Lewis McGrillen vs. Nawras Abzakh McGrillen – TKO (retirement)
Preliminary Card Results
Connor Hughes vs. Shem Rock Hughes – KO, R2
Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. David Martinez Izagakhmaev – Submission, R3
Akhmed Magomedov vs. Alexei Pergande Magomedov – UD
Adam Borics vs. Khasan Magomedsharipov Borics – Submission, R1
Denis Goltsov vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana Goltsov – TKO, R1.
Ernesto Rodriguez vs. Rhys McKee Rodriguez – TKO, R1
Khabib Nabiev vs. Styve Ngono Nabiev – TKO, R3
Aleksandra Savicheva vs. Jacinta Austin Savicheva – UD
Biggest Performances of the Night
1. Sergei Bilostenniy
Championship performance of the evening. Defeated the defending heavyweight champion over five rounds.
2. Patrick Habirora
Outstanding first-round submission and another statement in his undefeated career.
3. Joji Goto
Defeated former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis by unanimous decision.
4. Adam Borics
Submitted previously undefeated Khasan Magomedsharipov in the opening round.
Final Verdict
PFL Dubai delivered a memorable championship evening.
The biggest story was Bilostenniy’s stunning victory over Nemkov, but Habirora, Goto and Borics also made significant statements.
The heavyweight division has a new champion, the welterweight division has an undefeated contender demanding an opportunity, and the bantamweight division has a new name to watch in Joji Goto.
