Alfie Davis Secures Spot in PFL Lightweight Final While Jake Hadley Falls Short

Davis Edges Past Brent Primus to Move One Step Closer to World Title Glory

It was a night of mixed emotions for British MMA fans in Wichita, Kansas, as Alfie Davis powered his way into the PFL lightweight final, while Jake Hadley fell short in the bantamweight semi-finals.

Fighting under the bright lights of the Intrust Bank Arena, 33-year-old Davis displayed poise, precision and grit to defeat former Bellator champion Brent Primus via unanimous decision (29-28 x3). The win puts him within touching distance of a world title and a life-changing $500,000 (£395,000) prize.

With the victory, Davis joins the elite company of fellow Brits Brendan Loughnane and Dakota Ditcheva, who both previously clinched PFL gold. On August 15, at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, Davis will aim to carve his name into history as the first British PFL lightweight champion, when he faces Russia’s Gadzhi Rabadanov in the final.

A Dynamic Display: Davis Dazzles with Striking in Second Round Surge

PFL: Alfie Davis beats Brent Primus to reach lightweight final but Jake Hadley loses

The clash between Davis and Primus was always expected to be competitive, and it delivered in every sense. The first round saw the American use his grappling to control large stretches, pinning Davis to the canvas and working for dominant positions.

But once the second frame began, Davis found his rhythm—and with it, his swagger. The London-born fighter began to uncoil a varied arsenal, landing slick combinations, spinning back kicks, and knees to the midsection that visibly affected Primus. The tide had turned.

As the crowd grew louder, Davis responded with confidence, even taking time to dance in the center of the cage before the horn sounded—an unmistakable sign that he was enjoying himself and taking control of the narrative.

The final round brought more drama. Primus, never one to fade easily, scored a takedown, but Davis showed maturity and composure, reversing the position and finishing the fight in dominant top control.

Moments later, his arm was raised, confirming a significant career milestone and launching him into the PFL finals.

“I Belong at This Level” – Davis Eyes $500K Glory

After the fight, Davis was all smiles as he addressed the media:

“I knew what Primus brought to the table—he’s a beast on the mat. But I trusted my hands, trusted the work, and tonight proved I belong at this level. Now it’s time to go and finish the job in Charlotte.”

There’s a steely determination behind Davis‘ easygoing persona. A Taekwondo specialist who has evolved into a complete mixed martial artist, Davis has quietly risen through the ranks, earning this title shot the hard way.

He now faces Gadzhi Rabadanov, the powerful Russian who secured his own place in the final with a clinical display in the other lightweight semi. Rabadanov, a former training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, brings a relentless style that promises a compelling stylistic contrast when they meet in August.

Hadley Outclassed by Alves in Bantamweight Semi-Final

It wasn’t all celebration for British MMA, though. Jake Hadley, who parted ways with the UFC last year, was soundly beaten by Brazil’s Marcirley Alves in their bantamweight semi-final.

From the opening bell, Alves looked sharp and aggressive, landing several heavy combinations that forced Hadley onto the defensive. Hadley attempted to use his jab to regain control, but Alves’ power and precision gave him no room to breathe.

A straight right dropped Hadley in the second round and left a gash under his eye, further complicating matters. By the final round, Alves was in complete control, even scoring a late takedown to cement a dominant performance.

For Hadley, this marks another frustrating chapter in what has been a stop-start professional journey since exiting the UFC. However, at just 28, there’s still time for him to rebuild.

Darragh Kelly Shines on the Prelims with Rear-Naked Choke Win

There was more British and Irish success earlier on the card, as Ireland’s Darragh Kelly impressed with a third-round submission win over Mike Hamel.

Kelly, now 8-0 as a pro, looked composed throughout the contest and used his striking to wear Hamel down before jumping on his back in the final round and locking in a tight rear-naked choke with just two minutes remaining.

Kelly continues to be one of Ireland’s brightest MMA prospects, and his performance in Wichita only strengthened his case for a deeper run in next season’s PFL tournament.

More British Talent in Action Later This Month

The British charge in the PFL 2025 season is far from over. On June 27, two more top fighters from the UK will look to punch their tickets to the finals in Chicago:

• Fabian Edwards takes on American Josh Silveira in the middleweight semi-finals at the Wintrust Arena. Edwards, the younger brother of UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, will be aiming to follow in his brother’s footsteps by reaching a world final.
• Meanwhile, Simeon Powell locks horns with Antonio Carlos Jr in the light-heavyweight semi-finals. Powell, an undefeated force, has looked increasingly dominant and will need to navigate the veteran savvy of Carlos Jr to progress.

The Bigger Picture: PFL’s Global Rise and British Involvement

The Professional Fighters League continues to grow in stature and relevance, providing a refreshing format in the MMA space. With its season-based structure and $1 million grand prizes, the PFL offers fighters a clear path to stardom—and the UK has become one of its most prominent talent pools.

From Brendan Loughnane’s unforgettable 2022 featherweight title win, to Dakota Ditcheva’s dominant run in the women’s flyweight division last year, British fighters are making their mark.

Alfie Davis now stands as the next man up. One fight away from the ultimate payday and a world title, he represents the new generation of British MMA—skilled, composed, and ready for the big stage.

And if June 27 goes according to plan for Edwards and Powell, the UK could yet see three fighters competing for gold on finals night.

The PFL’s grip on the global MMA landscape is tightening—and the Brits are firmly in the center of the storm.