Alfie Davis reveals funny interaction with Islam Makhachev after PFL Dubai loss

Alfie Davis shared a light-hearted moment with Islam Makhachev after his loss to Usman Nurmagoedov at PFL Road to Dubai.Davis challenged Nurmagomedov for the Professional Fighters League lightweight title on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Nurmagomedov choked Davis with a reverse arm triangle late in the third round to successfully defend his title.

Davis revealed that he thought he could just make it through the round when he heard his corner say there were only 30 seconds left. The next thing the Englishman knew, however, he was regaining consciousness. When Davis came to his senses, he saw Usman’s cousin and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in his face. Davis says the entire team was very respectful toward him after the fight. Davis also revealed that Makhachev couldn’t resist one of his signature humorous one-liners. Makhachev reminded Davis that he is now 1-1 against their team after “The Ax Man” defeated their teammate Gadzhi Rabdanov in a huge upset last August.

“I heard my corner say, ’30 seconds left,’” Davis recalled. “And I thought, ‘Oh, relax, he’s not really going to get this.’ And the next thing: I wake up. He got a lot of pressure on him… I woke up with Khabib in my face. It’s weird, if you’ve ever choked, it’s a weird buzzing feeling… [Usman] was very respectful; they were all very respectful. I think Islam Makhachev gave the best comment; he laughed at me and said, ‘Hey brother, now it’s 1-1.’ It was very funny.”

Davis (20-6) handed Rabdanov his first PFL loss to win the 2025 lightweight tournament. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov (21-0) recorded his second title defense while avenging his teammate’s loss to Davis.