Preview: PFL 2 2024

Light Heavyweight

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (21-7-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Jakob Nedoh (8-1, 3-0 PFL)

ODDS: Yagshimuradov (-115), Nedoh (-115)

Turkmenistan’s Yagshimuradov started his pro career in 2012 and has the most fights of anyone in this year’s field, but he did not rise to the big leagues until signing with Bellator in 2021. The transition was rough initially, as Yagshimuradov dropped his first two bouts. Luckily for the 34-year-old, he still had time to figure it out. Today, he boasts a three-fight winning streak and the opportunity to win $1 million. Yagshimuradov is not the only fighter to learn from defeat, however. Nedoh was submitted in his first fight, and the Slovenian has not lost since. After winning his next two fights by submission, Nedoh began to live up to his nickname, “The Gorilla,” by stringing together a violent streak of five first-round knockouts. Undefeated Brit Simeon Powell halted the savage run when he met Nedoh in last year’s PFL Europe final. Instead of knocking Powell out in the first round, Nedoh took him out in the second like a gentleman.

Yagshimuradov’s experience will play a vital role in this bout. While Nedoh is the younger, faster fighter, the veteran has seen a few heavy hitters in his day and knows how to carry a fight to the scorecards. Force Nedoh to use his gas tank, let him experience the joys of the third round and see how he does then. Nedoh’s boxing-heavy style keeps him heavy on the lead foot, where he is unable to check calf kicks. Without a stable base, Nedoh’s footwork will crumble and his power will dissipate. Even with a sound game plan, Yagshimuradov faces the odds. Nedoh is a monster out for blood and will look to announce his arrival on the global stage with the most devastating knockout of the night.

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Kasanganay vs. Polizzi
Wilkinson vs. Breese
Collard vs. Freire
Burnell vs. Dufort
Sy vs. Silveira
Yagshimuradov vs. Nedoh
Carlos Jr. vs. Biyong
The Prelims