Renfro Replaces Umalatov, Meets Magomedkerimov in PFL Playoffs on Aug. 23

OFFICIAL: Updated August 23rd Fight Card

•Magomed Umalatov is out
•New Welterweight Semifinal: Magomed Magomedkerimov will now face @RenfroSolomon

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[ Wednesday, August 23rd | 6:30pm ET on ESPN+ | 9pm ET on ESPN | #PFLPlayoffs] pic.twitter.com/uaWUNd0DRe

— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 11, 2023

The Professional Fighters League has lost an intriguing welterweight semifinal matchup.

The organization recently announced that Solomon Renfro will replace Magomed Umalatov and face Magomed Magomedkerimov at PFL 9 on Aug. 23. A reason for Umalatov’s withdrawal was not given. PFL 9 takes place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden and features lightweight and welterweight semifinals on the main card.

With victories in his first five PFL appearances, Umalatov has emerged as a talent to watch at 170 pounds. He clinched his spot in the postseason with victories over Dilano Taylor and Nayib Lopez, but will now have to wait another season for his shot at $1 million The 31-year-old Eagles MMA representative is 14-0 as a professional overall.

A former competitor on Dana White’s Contender Series, Renfro made his league debut at PFL 6, where he knocked out Jarrah Al-Silawi in the second round on June 23. The Team Tiger Schulmann product owns an 11-3 career mark, with five wins coming inside the distance.

Magomedkerimov, who won the PFL Championship in 2018, punched his ticket to the playoffs with first-round TKO victories over Ben Egli and David Zawada in 2023.