Darragh Kelly Chokes Out Bakhtiyor Abduloev in First-Round
Nantes, France — September 26, 2025
Irish lightweight Darragh Kelly (9-0) made a thunderous statement at the PFL Europe Semifinals, submitting Tajikistan’s Bakhtiyor Abduloev (10-2) via rear-naked choke just 2:27 into Round 1. The bout, held at Zenith Nantes Metropole, showcased Kelly’s grappling dominance and secured his spot as one of the most dangerous prospects in the division.
Kelly’s Ground Game Overwhelms Early
Kelly wasted no time asserting control. After a brief exchange on the feet, he shot for a double-leg takedown and planted Abduloev on the canvas. From there, it was pure suffocation—Kelly transitioned to back control with surgical precision, flattening Abduloev out and sinking in the choke before the halfway mark of the round.
“I’m not here to play around,” Kelly said post-fight. “I’m here to finish fights and win titles.”
The submission marked Kelly’s fourth first-round finish and reinforced his reputation as a pressure grappler with elite finishing instincts.
Abduloev’s Momentum Halted
Bakhtiyor Abduloev entered the bout riding an eight-fight win streak and was considered a dark horse in the PFL Europe bracket. But Kelly’s relentless pace and positional control left him no room to breathe. The loss is Abduloev’s second career defeat and a reminder of the unforgiving depth in PFL’s lightweight division.
What’s Next for Kelly?
With the win, Darragh Kelly moves closer to a potential PFL Europe title shot. While not yet confirmed for the finals, his performance puts him in prime position for a high-profile matchup in December.
Kelly’s blend of aggression, control, and submission prowess makes him one of the most exciting fighters to emerge from Europe’s regional scene.
Conclusion
Darragh Kelly’s first-round submission win over Bakhtiyor Abduloev wasn’t just another finish—it was a warning. In a division filled with knockout artists and volume strikers, Kelly’s suffocating grappling and killer instinct offer a different kind of threat. As the PFL Europe Finals approach, Kelly is a name no contender wants to see across the cage.
Tags: Darragh Kelly, Bakhtiyor Abduloev, PFL Europe, MMA submission, rear-naked choke, lightweight MMA, Irish MMA, PFL results, 2025 MMA schedule
