Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament 3

Lightweight Quarterfinal

Gadhzi Rabadanov (24-4-1, 4-0 PFL) vs. Marc Diakiese (18-7, 0-0 PFL)

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.

Rabadanov entered last season’s lightweight tournament as a virtual unknown but came in confidently, riding a six-fight winning streak. After edging out Soloman Renfro in the first round, Rabadanov’s confidence grew with every win as he made his way to the final. There were still a ton of question marks prior to his championship showdown against former Bellator kingpin Brent Primus, but Rabdadanov would save his best performance of the tournament for last. He brutally dispatched Primus in three rounds to claim the lightweight grand prize. He comes into 2025 as a favorite to defend his crown. With a 10-fight winning streak on his ledger, Rabadanov is the man to beat in the field, but since he already has a win over fellow competitors Jay-Jay Wilson and the aforementioned Primus, it’s only fair that he welcomes the new kid on the block in the quarterfinals.

During his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Diakiese faced some of the best lightweights in the world. The Congolese “Bonecrusher” shared the Octagon with the likes of Dan Hooker, Rafael Fiziev and Michael Johnson but fell short time and again. He’s a talented fighter, but a fresh start was definitely needed at this point in his career. The Great Britain Top Team member has good standup but isn’t known for having fight-ending power. He hasn’t had a finish since 2017, while he has been submitted three times in that span. While Diakiese is one of the most experienced fighters that Rabadanov has faced, there’s nothing in his skill set that should confuse or worry the defending champion. Diakiese hasn’t shown that he has the power to keep Rabdanov honest and will have to deal with the pressure in other ways. Rabadonov needs to be careful that he doesn’t get overzealous, but he has the tools to cruise to a decision victory.

Jump To »
Kasanganay vs. Edwards
Rosta vs. Sy
Rabadanov vs. Diakiese
Wilson vs. Burnell
The Prelims