Preview: PFL 2025 World Tournament First Round 1

Featherweight Quarterfinal

Jeremy Kennedy (19-5, 2-2 PFL) vs. Movlid Khaybulaev (21-0-1, 7-0-1 PFL)

Khaybulzev may be 34, but the Dagestan native has been a problem for the entirety of his 13-year career. Training alongside the Nurmagomedov family as a prospect worked wonders for Khaybulaev, who plowed through the ranks and earned a spot on the PFL roster in 2019. In only his second season with the organization, Khaybulaev defeated Chris Wade to claim the featherweight crown. Unfortunately, injuries have kept the former champion inactive and out of the SmartCage. Khaybulaev hasn’t fought since June 2023, but even that performance was a masterful one, as he submitted Tyler Diamond in the second round. Khaybulaev’s record and pedigree as a champion make him a solid contender to win the featherweight tournament this season, but Kennedy won’t roll out the red carpet for him.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Kennedy, a UFC and Bellator veteran, has been one of Canada’s best lower-weight fighters for over a decade. He has defeated the likes of Aaron Pico and Pedro Carvalho, and while he’s never out of a fight, he has fallen short in his last two assignments. Kennedy challenged Patricio Freire for his 145-pound Bellator belt, but the Brazilian took him out within three rounds. Kennedy looked sharp in his next outing against Gabriel Braga, and the fight was anyone’s to win heading into the third round. However, Braga ultimately edged him out over the final minute to steal a close but clear unanimous decision. Despite his five losses, it takes a special fighter to beat Kennedy, and this fight could be one of the best of the opening round. Khaybulaev is dangerous on the ground, but he’s not known for being a fight-finishing type of grappler. He thrives on wrestling and pressure, while Kennedy looks to keep the fight standing until he can find his moments to wrestle. The records make this look like a clear win for Khaybulaev, but Kennedy is one of the most battle-tested featherweights in the field and has been active over the past year. He will find his momentum early and keep Khaybulaev a step behind on his way to a decision win.

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