McKee Hands Nurmagomedov Protégé First PFL Loss: "I'm The Best Featherweight"

James

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Post on Jul 20, 2025

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McKee Hands Nurmagomedov Protégé First PFL Loss: "I's the Best Featherweight"

Controversial finish shocks fans as rising star suffers first professional defeat.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) witnessed a seismic upset last night as undefeated featherweight prospect, Usman Nurmagomedov, suffered his first professional loss at the hands of Clay Collard. The fight, a highly anticipated matchup, ended in a controversial second-round stoppage that left many questioning the referee's decision. But one thing is certain: Collard, after his victory, declared himself the best featherweight in the world.

This stunning defeat marks a significant turning point for Nurmagomedov, the cousin and protégé of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known for his incredible grappling skills and devastating ground game, inherited from his famous family lineage, Usman entered the fight with a perfect 16-0 record, generating significant buzz and high expectations. Many considered him a future PFL champion.

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The Fight:

The fight started with both fighters exhibiting their strengths. Nurmagomedov, true to form, aimed for takedowns and control, while Collard, a seasoned veteran, relied on his striking and counter-punching abilities. The first round saw a back-and-forth battle, with neither fighter gaining a decisive advantage. However, the second round proved to be pivotal.

Collard landed several significant strikes that visibly affected Nurmagomedov. While Usman attempted to close the distance and secure a takedown, Collard countered effectively. A late flurry of strikes by Collard led to the referee stepping in to stop the contest, much to the surprise and dismay of many viewers. The stoppage, considered premature by some analysts and fans, ignited a firestorm of debate on social media.

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The Aftermath:

Following the controversial finish, Clay Collard, beaming with confidence, made a bold statement: "I'm the best featherweight in the world." This declaration, while provocative, reflects his unwavering belief in his abilities after securing a high-profile victory against a highly touted opponent. The win undoubtedly propels Collard up the PFL featherweight rankings, but the long-term effects of the controversial ending remain to be seen.

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Nurmagomedov's Future:

Usman Nurmagomedov’s first professional defeat serves as a valuable learning experience for the young fighter. Despite the disappointing loss, his future in the PFL remains bright. He has proven his skills repeatedly, and this setback could act as a catalyst for even greater improvement. The Nurmagomedov name still holds significant weight in the MMA world, and with appropriate training and strategic adjustments, he is expected to bounce back strongly.

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PFL Featherweight Division Heats Up:

This fight underscores the increasingly competitive nature of the PFL featherweight division. With numerous talented fighters vying for the top spot, the future of this weight class promises thrilling matchups and exciting developments. Will Collard continue his rise to dominate the division, or will another contender emerge? Only time will tell.

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Keywords: Usman Nurmagomedov, Clay Collard, PFL, Professional Fighters League, MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, featherweight, Khabib Nurmagomedov, upset, controversial finish, referee stoppage, best featherweight, MMA news, fight recap

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the controversial ending? Share your opinions in the comments below!