Abdouraguimov’s European Run Brings Two Different Decision Tests
Abdoul Abdouraguimov defeated Laureano Staropoli by unanimous decision at PFL’s Lyon event on December 14, 2024. The welterweight contest ended with scores of 30–27, 30–27 and 29–28 after three rounds, extending his successful run in the promotion.
How the story unfolded
Known as ‘The Lazy King,’ Abdouraguimov combined leg kicks with his grappling threat against the former UFC fighter. When he took Staropoli down, he worked to cover the legs, advance toward the back and create submission opportunities.
Staropoli defended the late choke threat and reached the final horn. Abdouraguimov therefore earned the victory through the judges rather than adding another submission finish to a career already associated with dangerous ground work.
The result and its significance
Earlier that year, Abdouraguimov had defeated Jack Grant by split decision in Paris on March 7. The two results gave his 2024 PFL schedule different scoring outcomes against different opponents: a divided verdict in Paris and a unanimous decision in Lyon.
The Lyon card also featured PFL Europe championship contests, including Jakub Kaszuba against Connor Hughes at lightweight. Abdouraguimov’s own appearance was a separate welterweight assignment, and the completed result belonged to his meeting with Staropoli. His ability to win both through finishing threats and sustained positional work remained central, even when experienced opponents prevented the submission and forced the fight to the cards.
Sources
- pflmma.com: the lazy king abdoul abdouraguimov uses leg kicks takedowns to work way to decision victory
- pflmma.com: abdoul abdouraguimov
- mmafighting.com: pfl europe results live stream doumbe vs chamsoudinov
Article Tags
Abdoul Abdouraguimov, Laureano Staropoli, PFL, MMA
