Undefeated Khabalaev joins PFL New York card for hometown lightweight clash

Professional Fighters League has confirmed a lightweight showcase bout for its PFL New York event on Long Island, matching undefeated prospect Levan Khabalaev (5-0) against fellow New Yorker Ryan Gerena (4-1) in a card with clear local flavour.

Khabalaev, who trains out of Longo’s MMA, has built his perfect record across recognisable regional promotions including Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Legacy Fighting Alliance, finishing two of his last three opponents inside the distance. The Russian lightweight arrives as the more decorated prospect, but Gerena brings momentum of his own.

Gerena has spent his entire professional career competing for Flex Fight Series. After dropping his debut, he has reeled off four consecutive victories — three by stoppage and one by decision — a run that earned him the call-up to the PFL stage.

The Long Island event is headlined by a lightweight title fight between undefeated champion Usman Nurmagomedov (21-0) and fellow unbeaten challenger Archie Colgan (13-0). Flyweight standout Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) also returns to face Denise Kielholtz (9-5), while the card features Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (26-8-1) vs. Simeon Powell (12-2), Amru Magomedov (9-0) vs. Angel Alvarez, and Montana De La Rosa (13-9-1) vs. Tatiana Postarnakova (5-0).