Preview: PFL World Tournament 6: Semifinals

The path to the Professional Fighters League World Championship passes through Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas on Friday as the PFL’s best lightweights, bantamweights and women's flyweights prepare for the semifinals. “The Motown Phenom,” Kevin Lee, makes his PFL debut against the reigning lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov in the main event. In the co-main, former Bellator MMA women’s flyweight champion Liz Carmouche squares off against the undefeated Elora Dana.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

This card includes many eye-catching prospects and established contenders hoping to prove that they’re ready for championship glory. The action begins at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card to follow at 8:30 p.m. ET, live on ESPN+. Here’s your preview for PFL World Tournament 6: Lightweights, Bantamweights and Women’s Flyweights.

PFL 2025 Lightweight Semifinal
Gadzhi Rabadanov (25-4-1) vs. Kevin Lee (20-8)

Rabadanov hasn’t lost a fight in over four years and is rightfully the favorite to defend his lightweight tournament title. Despite his deep grappling skills and training from the highly esteemed Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School, Rabadanov has put his last three opponents away with his fists. Marc Diakiese, Brent Primus, and Michael Dufort are durable fighters, but Rabadanov realized that if he sits down on his shots, he can put the top guys away. He’s in the prime of his career and it’ll take a special fighter to snap his 11-fight win streak.

Lee at one time was a UFC contender on the cusp of superstardom, but a handful of submission losses halted his momentum. He has fast hands, fast feet, and stellar athleticism, but often puts himself in compromising positions. While his wrestling is aggressive and often effective, Lee has been caught multiple times by guillotines and counter techniques. If he doesn’t get overzealous, he could be one of the toughest opponents that Rabadanov has faced on the ground. Lee’s foot speed will make him a difficult target to track down, but his inactivity is a concern. Lee hasn’t fought more than once in a year since 2019, and despite being only 32, many believe that his best years are behind him.

Lee has the personality to pump some energy into the PFL Tournament, but he’s entering the dance at the wrong time. Rabadanov was planning to fight Jay-Jay Wilson and stayed in camp consistently. Lee needs to prove that there’s little rust to shake or he’ll be overwhelmed by a fighter who is riding a dangerous wave of momentum.

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Rabadanov vs. Lee
Carmouche vs. Dana
Colgan vs. Barnaoui
Wetzell vs. Gutierrez
Hadley vs. Alves
The Prelims