32 seconds of domination: Khabib Nurmagomedov hails protégé's explosive win over UFC veteran

Key highlights

• Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrated his fighter Gadzhi Rabadanov 's impressive 32-second knockout of a UFC veteran.
• Rabadanov demonstrated his skills by quickly transitioning from absorbing a body kick to taking Diakiese down and finishing the fight.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov remains committed to his retirement from active competition and is now heavily involved in coaching rising talents like Rabadanov.

UFC lightweight champion of the past, Khabib Nurmagomedov, expressed his reaction to Gadzhi Rabadanov’s rapid knockout victory over UFC veteran Marc Diakiese at PFL 3. In the co-main event at Universal Studios Florida on Friday, April 18, 2025, Gadzhi Rabadanov needed just 32 seconds to secure a victory in place to extend his impressive winning streak to 11 straight fights. The emphatic finish cemented the Dagestani fighter's place in the PFL lightweight tournament semifinals as Diakiese was left unconscious on the canvas.
Gadzhi Rabadanov's flawless execution secures tournament advancementIn the opening moments of their contest, Marc Diakiese's body kick caught Gadzhi Rabadanov, and the Russian showed his elite combat skills. Marc Diakiese was immediately taken to the ground by the Russian fighter, who then unleashed an absolute barrage of devastating ground strikes that left his opponent unconscious. Gadzhi Rabadanov secured the victory over his fallen opponent and jogged around the ring before calmly jogging around his opponent even taking a moment to shush the crowd.


It is enough for Gadzhi Rabadanov to take the semifinal round of the PFL lightweight tournament, where he will meet Jay Jay Wilson later this year. Khabib Nurmagomedov's training camp continues to prove to be the place of champions as his fighter further solidifies that reputation.

Khabib Nurmagomedov praised his protégé on Instagram, writing "Dominant performance, brother" alongside clapping emojis while sharing cageside footage of the spectacular knockout.
Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to focus on coaching elite fightersKhabib Nurmagomedov has remained steadfast in his retirement decision since walking away from competition after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. When questioned about potential comeback rumors last October, Khabib Nurmagomedov was unequivocal, stating: "There is no chance, none. Not even 1%, minus ."

In a recent interview with Barstool Chicago, UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad offered insight into Khabib Nurmagomedov's ongoing training presence. Belal Muhammad, who trains alongside the retired UFC fighter, revealed that the gym never has an easy session and that Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to train intensely, pushing him to his limits regardless of the circumstances.

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Fans can watch Gadzhi Rabadanov's next fight in the PFL lightweight tournament semifinals on ESPN and ESPN+ later this year as he continues his quest for championship glory under Khabib Nurmagomedov's guidance.