Anthony Joshua links up with Khabib Nurmagomedov before cousin Usman chokes opponent unconscious at PFL Dubai

Anthony Joshua had a front row seat for the PFL’s first show of 2026.

Joshua is currently recovering from a tragic car accident in December, but has slowly re-emerged into the spotlight after publicly addressing the crash that killed two of his best friends for the first time.

AFP

He met up with MMA great Khabib Nurmagomedov in Dubai on Saturday, moments before watching the Russian’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, defend the PFL lightweight title.

‘AJ’ embraced members of Team Khabib backstage, including Usman, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and UFC bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov — Usman’s older brother.

Usman Nurmagomedov extends undefeated record at PFL Dubai

Usman fought Britain’s Alfie Davis in the main event of PFL Dubai, fresh off back-to-back wins over Paul Hughes in 2025.

The 27-year-old told talkSPORT.com ahead of the bout that he was going to take Davis to the canvas and finish him, and that’s exactly what he did.

What happened in Usman Nurmagomedov vs Alfie Davis?

Usman pushed the pace from the first bell as a kicking game played out in the opening exchanges.

The Dagestani fighter kept his distance, getting a hold of Davis just after the midway point and taking him to the canvas with relative ease.

Davis, however, did well on the floor, preventing any major damage from the champion in the first round.

The Englishman then came out swinging in round two with more confidence, having given the champion far too much respect in the first five minutes.

He showed his diverse range of striking as time ticked on, playing the long game and frustrating Usman on the feet.

However, the champion remained cool, smashing Davis with low kicks and dictating the tempo of the fight.

PFL

PFL

In round three, Usman knew what he needed to do.

After a brief halt to proceedings due to a low blow on Davis, he expertly shifted his opponent to the ground again, tiring out the challenger in an attempt to get the finish.

Davis proved resilient and managed to stick it out until the referee brought both men to their feet due to a lack of action.

But Usman was relentless and continued on the offence in the latter stages of round three.

He had Davis pushed up against the cage and seized his opportunity, taking the Englishman’s back before locking up a deadly arm triangle.

Davis failed to escape the immense strength of the champion, and it wasn’t long before he was lying face down on the canvas unconscious.

PFL

PFL

Usman is widely recognised as one of the greatest lightweights in the world right now, with fans eager to see the Dagestani transition to the UFC in the future.

Although Usman told talkSPORT.com ahead of his win that his loyalties remain firmly with the PFL, he now only has one more fight left on his contract with the promotion.

With an undefeated 21-0 record and the name value he possesses, there’s no doubt Usman will be on the radar of UFC president Dana White.