A Welterweight and Middleweight Champion on the regional scene, Abdoul Abdouraguimov was considered one of the greatest unsigned prospects in MMA before signing with the PFL in 2023. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling specialist, Abdouraguimov is a problem on the ground, with 14 of his 17 wins coming by submission. Abdouraguimov, in fact, has just a sole loss on his record, coming in a rematch against current PFL welterweight Jarrah Al-Silwai. “The Lazy King” made his PFL debut in September, scoring a first-round submission over Brad Wheeler.

 

Jack Grant, who makes his PFL debut tonight, has competed in 26 professional MMA bouts, scoring wins in 19 fights, with 18 of those seeing finishes. A grappling expert, Grant has competed around the world across various promotions, including Bellator. He’s also been in a regional MMA title fight against Ian Garry. After 26 months out of competition, Grant returned in December 2023, submitting Ahmed Labban.

 

Will “The Lazy King” impress in another outing, or will Grant pull off the unbelievable upset?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kicks to Grant’s lead leg from Abdouraguimov. Grant throws a leg kick, but Abdouraguimov continues his attack. Abdouraguimov misses a left hand. Another low kick from Abdouraguimov. Abdouraguimov throws another, but misses. Grant tries to take advantage and go in; however, Abdouraguimov grabs a hold of Grant and looks for a guillotine. Grant gets his head out but finds himself stuck in Abdouraguimov’s guard. Grant slides his arms through to get in better position, but Abdouraguimov is attempting to lock up an arm. Abdouraguimov is content to work from the bottom. Grant throws a knee to the body.

 

 

Grant tries to pass through Abdouraguimov and works in top position, bringing pressure. Grant lands a hammer fist and starts to work a small flurry on the bottom. Grant gets to his feet, and Abdouraguimov tries to grab his wrists and keep it on the ground. The two return to their feet, but Abdouraguimov gets another takedown. Abdouraguimov looks for a Japanese necktie, and it looks tight! Twice, Grant gives the “no” finger wag. Abdouraguimov cannot get the finish and lets go of the choke, but he ends the round on top.

 

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Low kick from Abdouraguimov. Grant gives one of his own. Grant misses a front kick and a left hand, but he’s pressuring Abdouraguimov to the fence. Abdouraguimov lands a hook and goes for a level change. Grant sprawls to stop the takedown attempt of Abdouraguimov. Abdouraguimov gets out and lands a one-two on Grant. A calf kick by Grant hurts Abdouraguimov. Grant throws a left hand, but Abdouraguimov ducks down. Abdouraguimov goes for another takedown, but Grant escapes it! Abdouraguimov keeps the pressure on and locks up a guillotine! Grant scrambles and avoids Abdouraguimov’s attempt at mounting to escape.

 

The two return to their feet, chest-to-chest against the fence. Grant with a knee. Abdouraguimov with a knee to the body. The two briefly separate with about 90 seconds left, but Grant follows a one-two by trying to pin Abdouraguimov against the fence again. Abdouraguimov tried to roll through, but Grant was ready for it. Grant tries to throw some ground-and-pound from the top position. Grant looks to move into side control, and he lands several short punches to Abdouraguimov’s head.

 

 

Round 3

 

Grant coming forward. Abdouraguimov tries a rolling kick, but it doesn’t land. Grant gets a hold of Abdouraguimov’s back. Grant tries to sink in the body lock, while Abdouraguimov tries to stand. Grant looks to go for an armbar, but Abdouraguimov scrambles and gets to Grant’s back. Grant, however, counters with a scramble of his own and ends up back on Abdouraguimov’s back! Abdouraguimov countering the position and moving into side control.

 

 

Abdouraguimov threatens another choke and he sinks it in! Grant wags the finger again! Abdouraguimov has an anaconda choke and has the leg extended, but Grant seems ok in what seems to be a deep choke. Grant is continuing to fight back and is still in the fight! Abdouraguimov looks to transition into a better position, but Grant uses his knees to continue and maintain his control. Grant cannot escape, but Abdouraguimov lets go and delivers ground-and-pound until the final bell!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov defeats Jack Grant by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) in a Welterweight Showcase Bout.