did pretty much everything, but he got a finish when he was smashed and bleeding over five rounds to secure the featherweight title Main event.
It was a dominant performance from the undefeated Russian, who defeated Loughnane in all phases of the match, from striking to grappling, in all five rounds. Khizriev never slowed down, especially after Loughnane started spurting blood from his nose, and that really explained how the entire fight unfolded.
The scorecards read 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46, with Khizriev ending the 2024 PFL season with a unanimous decision victory.
“It was a long and hard road, but with God’s help I did it,” Khizriev said after his victory. “I thought I had dismantled my opponent. I knew everything he would do and today I was here to counter him.
“He is a former champion. He is a tough fighter. He suffered a lot of damage and I was honestly surprised. He’s a tough guy.”
A rotating attack from Loughnane in the opening round led to a victory for Khizriev, who dominated the former PFL champion from top position. Khizriev didn't slow down either as he delivered a powerful jab that hit Loughnane's nose again and again.
The repeated blows caused a nasty wound on Loughnane's face, and Khizriev aimed his blows only at that wound. Khizriev also delivered a deft uppercut as he chatted with Loughnane, who wore a crimson mask as blood ran down his face and body.
Loughnane's movement was also difficult, as the PFL commentary team noted that perhaps there was something wrong with his right knee because he stood on his left forefoot and never changed stance.
While Khizriev didn't throw with much volume, he constantly stabbed Loughnane with his left jab and then followed it up with a powerful right jab. Khizriev also mixed in another late takedown as he continued to punish Loughnane at every turn.
As time expired, Khizriev was covered in Loughnane's sweat and blood – a clear sign that he struggled and did far more damage than his opponent before winning a lopsided decision on the scorecards.
Khizriev, now 18-0 in his career, won every fight in 2024 in similar fashion, and he could look to do the same again in 2025 after earning $1 million to conclude his first season in the PFL won.
