Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament First Round 1

Welterweight Quarterfinal

Magomed Umalatov (17-1, 8-1 PFL) vs. Logan Storley (16-3, 1-1 PFL)

Before Shamil Musaev brutally knocked him out in the 2024 PFL tournament final, Umalatov was arguably one of the most dominant welterweights on the planet. His thunderous hands recorded 11 knockouts, and his wrestling was feared throughout the division. He may be coming off the first loss of his career, but “The Prince” will remind everyone why a welterweight crown could still be in his future. Storley has spent the better part of his career beating guys who are thought to be more talented. He defeated Michael Page, Joaquin Buckley and Neiman Gracie and showed no fear when it came to fighting those guys at their strengths. As a former interim welterweight champion and four-time NCAA All-American wrestler, there’s no record or accolade that will intimidate the South Dakota native, and if there’s anyone who can further quiet the Umalatov hype, it’s Storley.

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This fight is going to be fun for as long as it lasts. Umalatov and Storley are both blessed with heavy hands, and despite their wrestling backgrounds, neither of them is much of a submission threat. Umalatov, however, is the bigger puncher and could put Storley away early if he can clip him with a big shot. If Storley hopes to get his hand raised, he needs to take a page out of Musaev’s book and outwork Umalatov in the clinch. If Storley can win that position and impose his strength on the Russian, he should be able to get his best work off and potentially find a finish late. You never know how a fighter will respond after being handed his first defeat, and Storley is the type of opponent to take advantage of someone who hasn’t entirely found his confidence. This could lead to one of the biggest upsets of the night.

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Jackson vs. Koreshkov
Pinedo vs. Borics
Umalatov vs. Storley
Kennedy vs. Khaybulaev
The Prelims