Magomed Umalatov scored quite a bit of attention in his PFL debut in 2021, where he scored a second-round TKO of Kyron Bowen. Umalatov, a former regional welterweight champion, is undefeated and made the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, but, unfortunately, couldn’t compete in the postseason both times. Umalatov defeated former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov via decision in April and hopes that a third postseason qualification will be the charm and that he gets to see playoff action.

 

Originally an NCAA Division-III All-American, Brennan Ward signed with Bellator in 2012 and went on to win their season nine middleweight tournament, though falling short in a title fight with Alexander Shlemenko. Ward, who has seen the judges just once in all of his professional MMA bouts, left the sport for about five years as he battled drug addiction. He went 3-1 upon his return to the Bellator cage, finishing Brandon Bell, Kassius Kanye and Sabah Homasi before a loss to Logan Storley. Ward made his PFL debut in April, being submitted by Don Madge.

 

Umalatov clinches a playoff spot with a finish, while Ward needs a finish in the first 4:05 to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

 

 

Round 1

 

Umalatov flashes the high kick. Patience from both men. Low kick from Umalatov. Right hand from Umalatov. Left hand for Umalatov. Another left hand lands for Umalatov. Ward blitzes in. Umalatov lands a jab from distance. Ward looks to come in again. Umalatov misses a left hand. Ward aims for the body. Umalatov with a right hand. Umalatov scores a takedown. Umalatov looking to set up an arm-triangle choke, but Ward is defending it well. Ward trying to get hooks in and escape. Ward gives up his back as he gets to his feet, and Umalatov takes a hold of it.

 

Umalatov lands a couple of knees to the legs. Umalatov drags Ward along the fence before taking him back down. Umalatov sets up the arm-triangle again but can’t get it. Umalatov transitions and looks for a front choke. Umalatov locks in an anaconda, and he gets the tap!

 

 

Magomed Umalatov clinches a playoff spot for the third year in a row!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Magomed Umalatov defeats Brennan Ward by 1st round submission (anaconda choke, 3:43) earning 6 points in the PFL Welterweight Division

  • Umalatov clinches the #2 seed in the playoffs
  • Umalatov remains undefeated at 16-0. He has earned 13 of his career wins by finish (11 knockouts, 2 subs)