Russian Akhmed Magomedov collides with Irish fighter Nathan Kelly in the main card of the PFL Champions Series - Road to Dubai in a featherweight contest this weekend. Nathan Kelly was earlier booked to fight Khasan Magomedovsharipov, but when the Russian withdrew, he was replaced by Akhmed Magomedov, who last fought in 2023. While Nathan Kelly is on an 11-fight winning streak, Magomedov lost for the first time in his last outing. However, the Russian is a heavy favorite to defeat the Irishman.
Bet on Akhmed Magomedov vs. Nathan Kelly with 1xBet
MMA: PFL Featherweight
Where to Watch: MAX
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Date: 25.01.2025 21:30
Akhmed Magomedov
29-year-old Akhmed Magomedov was upset by Henry Corrales in his last appearance in February 2023 at Bellator 290. Corrales handed the Dagestani his first pro defeat with a unanimous decision victory. Magomedov started his pro career with the Alliance Fighting Championships before moving to Brave. Akhmed Magomedov joined Bellator in 2022, choking out Kevin Boehm in his promotional debut. In his second fight, he lost to Corrales despite being a heavy favorite. A look at the Russian’s records shows he has a 40% submission win rate and 40% by decision.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 5’8”
- Reach: 68”
- Weight: 145lbs (65kg)
- Record: 10-1-1 (NC)
It’s been good; I’ve been busy, which is what every fighter wants. Kicking off 2025 with a fight straight in the first month of the year, in terms of a work and business perspective, I couldn’t be happier. I’m busy, which is what professional fighters need. We need to be busy, we need to keep active, and we need to be fighting consistently. I’m blessed and fortunate to be getting this opportunity to do so.
Nathan Kelly
Nathan Kelly’s last fight took place just over six months ago when he finished Jose Sanchez in the first round with a Ninja choke to pick up his eleventh straight win. The 27-year-old has a foundational style in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with 45% of his wins being via submission. Kelly debuted in Bellator in 2022 and has been very active, fighting three times each in 2022 and 2023 and twice in 2024.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 27
- Height: 5’8”
- Reach: 68”
- Weight: 145lbs (65kg)
- Record: 11-2
“I think that’s the hype behind it. I think since Conor [McGregor] and Khabib [Nurmagomedov] had their rivalry, there’s kind of been a natural, unspoken rivalry between the Irish and the Russians.
Betting Odds
Nathan Kelly is a 3.10 underdog on Bet365. The Irish fighter is listed at 3.00 on Betway to cause an upset. Under 1.5 is at 2.32 on 1xbet, which also prices no to the start of round 3 at 2.75 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Akhmed Magomedov vs. Nathan Kelly with 1xBet

