Ex-UFC title challenger brutally stopped by Khabib protégé in short-notice fight

Rabadanov Floors Kevin Lee To Advance To PFL Finals

Rabadanov knocked out UFC veteran Mark Diakiese in April to advance to the lightweight quarterfinals, where the defending tournament champion was originally scheduled to meet Wilson in a rematch of their 2022 meeting.

Wilson was unfortunately forced to withdraw from the fight due to a broken jaw, which set the stage for former interim UFC title challenger Kevin Lee to step in for a massive short-notice opportunity.

The fight marked Lee's return to 155 lbs. for the first time since 2020 when he was submitted by Charles Oliveira, which encouraged "The Motown Phenom" to move up in weight for his next four MMA bouts.

Lee and Rabadanov were given the headlining slot for the PFL semifinal event in Wichita, KS, and it became clear early on that the UFC veteran was at a severe speed and power disadvantage.

The 32-year-old carried on through some big shots during the early part of the first round, but eventually Lee found himself backed to the fence and Rabadanov dropped him with punches to book a spot in the 2025 lightweight finals against Alfie Davis.

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