Gadzhi Rabadanov Blasted Through Kevin Lee to Reach Another
Gadzhi Rabadanov stopped Kevin Lee by TKO at 2:37 of the first round at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita on June 20, 2025. The lightweight semifinal victory sent the 2024 PFL champion into the World Tournament final against Alfie Davis.
An early jab disrupted Lee’s start
Lee opened with jabs, but Rabadanov quickly answered with combinations to the head and body. A jab dropped Lee, forcing him to scramble back to his feet while still struggling to regain his balance.
Rabadanov stayed composed rather than immediately chasing a finish. He continued connecting with left hands, hooks and an uppercut as Lee tried to recover.
Repeated connections forced the stoppage
A right hand sent Lee down again. Although he stood, Rabadanov maintained his accuracy and followed with further combinations.
Lee stumbled under the continuing attack before another connection sent him forward to the canvas. The referee stopped the fight, completing a brief but emphatic semifinal.
The win extended Rabadanov’s championship pursuit
Rabadanov had won the previous year’s PFL lightweight championship by defeating Brent Primus. He began the 2025 tournament by quickly finishing Marc Diakiese in April.
Lee entered the semifinal after Jay-Jay Wilson withdrew through injury. The former UFC contender had returned from a lengthy absence with a submission win over Thiago Oliveira, but his PFL debut ended against an opponent already carrying considerable tournament momentum.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: June 20 Wichita venue, semifinal assignments and official results
- PFL: knockdowns, finishing sequence, Wilson withdrawal and preceding bouts
