Last Updated: April 2025 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: ExpertFighter Editorial Team
Former PFL lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov will attempt to bounce back from his first loss in over two years when he meets PFL Europe champion Aleksandr Chizov in the co-main event of PFL Sioux Falls. The Professional Fighters League confirmed the 155-pound matchup on Tuesday, with the event scheduled at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Logan Storley versus Florim Zendeli headlines the card in a welterweight bout.
Rabadanov Seeks Return to Form After Tournament Final Loss
Rabadanov enters this bout looking to re-establish momentum following a five-round decision loss to Alfie Davis in the 2025 PFL lightweight tournament finals last August. That defeat ended a 12-fight winning streak that included his 2024 PFL lightweight championship captured during the organization’s season format era.
The Dagestani fighter carries a 26-5-2 professional record into the Sioux Falls matchup. His recent win streak featured victories over established names across multiple organizations:
- Kevin Lee
- Marc Diakiese
- Brent Primus
- Steven Siler
Rabadanov’s grappling-heavy approach and ability to control pace have defined his success throughout the PFL tournament structure. His wrestling credentials and cardio allowed him to dominate bracket-style competition before the Davis setback exposed potential vulnerabilities in extended championship rounds.
Chizov Brings PFL Europe Gold and Finishing Power
Aleksandr Chizov represents a legitimate test for Rabadanov’s comeback attempt. The 28-year-old Latvian claimed the PFL Europe lightweight championship in 2025 by defeating three opponents in succession:
- Mark Ewen
- Claudio Pacella
- Connor Hughes
Chizov’s 13-3 record includes 11 finishes, demonstrating consistent threat across both striking and grappling exchanges. His ability to close shows inside the distance contrasts with Rabadanov’s more methodical, decision-oriented approach. This stylistic difference creates legitimate questions about whether Rabadanov can impose his wrestling without exposure to Chizov’s finishing sequences.
Technical Breakdown
The matchup presents clear strategic considerations for both camps. Rabadanov will likely pursue early takedowns to establish control and limit Chizov’s striking opportunities. His success depends on avoiding extended exchanges where Chizov’s power becomes a factor.
Chizov must defend the initial wrestling attacks and force Rabadanov into striking range. His PFL Europe run demonstrated improved takedown defense and cage positioning, skills critical against a fighter of Rabadanov’s pedigree. If Chizov can keep the fight standing into the second and third rounds, his finishing rate suggests legitimate knockout or submission potential.
PFL Sioux Falls Card Takes Shape
The announcement adds a significant lightweight bout to the PFL Sioux Falls card. With Storley versus Zendeli anchoring the main event in the welterweight division, the promotion continues building out a card that features ranked competitors across multiple weight classes.
For Rabadanov, this represents his first bout since the August tournament final loss. The layoff provides recovery time but also raises questions about ring rust against an active opponent riding momentum from European competition. Chizov steps up in competition level significantly, facing a former world champion with extensive experience in high-pressure situations.
Stakes and Implications
Both fighters have championship aspirations within the PFL structure. Rabadanov needs a convincing performance to re-enter title conversation and prove the Davis loss was an anomaly rather than a sign of decline. At 26-5-2, he remains in his athletic prime but cannot afford another setback that might push him away from premium matchups.
Chizov has the opportunity to validate his PFL Europe championship by defeating a recognized name from the main PFL roster. A finish would make the strongest statement, but any victory over Rabadanov immediately positions him for higher-profile bouts and potential tournament inclusion.
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
This co-main event represents legitimate stakes for both the lightweight division and each fighter’s career trajectory. Rabadanov’s wrestling and experience give him clear advantages on paper, but Chizov’s finishing ability and recent activity create genuine upset potential. The Dagestani’s ability to implement his gameplan early will likely determine the outcome. If Chizov survives the initial grappling exchanges and forces Rabadanov into later rounds, his power and finishing instincts become increasingly relevant. Expect Rabadanov to pursue takedowns aggressively in round one. Whether his cardio and control hold up after the long layoff and previous five-round war remains the central question heading into PFL Sioux Falls.