Khabib Nurmagomedov's standout protege, Gadzhi Rabadanov, has expressed hesitation towards bare-knuckle fighting, despite enjoying Rizin's varied ruleset. Currently a top contender in the PFL's lightweight division, Rabadanov recently won a bout against Alex Chizov. He previously thrived in Rizin, celebrating its unique rules that allow for kicks and stomps. While fond of the activity in a controlled environment, Rabadanov calls bare-knuckle fighting "a little bit crazy" due to the risks involved.

By the Numbers
  • Rabadanov is a top-ranked lightweight contender in the PFL.
  • He recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Alex Chizov.
State of Play
  • Rabadanov previously fought in Rizin, winning against Koji Takeda.
  • He remains open to future events using Rizin's rules but not bare-knuckle formats.
What's Next

Rabadanov is focused on boxing matches, implying potential future bouts under traditional rules, while indicating he won't pursue bare-knuckle opportunities.

Bottom Line

Fighters like Rabadanov highlight the importance of safety in combat sports, favoring structured rulesets over bare-knuckle challenges due to the inherent dangers involved.