Makhachev throws in the towel as Magomedov's dislocated shoulder ends PFL Tampa bout

Islam Makhachev threw in the towel 11 seconds into the third round at PFL Tampa on Saturday, ending Magomed Magomedov’s bantamweight bout against Daniel Marcos via TKO after Magomedov dislocated his left shoulder late in the second round.

Magomedov, a former Bellator title contender, had matched Marcos — a UFC veteran making his PFL debut — through a wrestling-heavy first two rounds before the injury struck near the end of round two. Makhachev and the rest of the corner spent the entire one-minute interval attempting to relocate the shoulder, but were unable to do so.

The referee called for a ringside doctor to assess Magomedov before the third round, and the fighter was cleared to continue. However, the moment Marcos clinched against the cage and moved the injured arm, Makhachev made the decision to end the contest, sparing his fighter from further damage.

The stoppage drew immediate attention given Makhachev’s profile as the reigning UFC welterweight champion. His intervention underlined the dual role elite fighters increasingly play as both competitors and cornermen for teammates from the same camp.

For Marcos, the win marks a successful transition to the PFL, adding a notable scalp in his first outing for the promotion. Magomedov, meanwhile, will require medical attention before any return to competition can be considered.