Dave Mandel-USA TODAY Sports

Undefeated Dagestani Jumps Ship From ONE Championship To PFL, Calls Out Gegard Mousasi

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 12/29/23

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is continuing to make notable moves in the MMA space, the latest of which has the signing of a highly touted Dagestani fighter.

Much has been made of the PFL's expanded roster following the major acquisition of rival promotion Bellator MMA earlier this year. Despite that, the organization is still seeking top talent from elsewhere, and that's now seen the arrival of Murad Ramazanov (11-0).

Ramazanov, a frequent training partner of UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, established his potential on the ONE Championship stage in Asia. He recorded three wins inside the Circle, including over top welterweight contender Zebaztian Kadestam.

His final appearance for ONE came against ex-KSW champion Roberto Soldić over 12 months ago. After a strong start, a low blow from the Russian resulted in a No Contest.

News of Ramazanov's move to the PFL was confirmed by his manager, Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz, via John Morgan.

Undefeated Dagestani Murad Ramazanov (11-0) has signed with @PFLMMA, according to his manager, @AliAbdelaziz00.

Ramazanov most recently competed four times at middleweight for ONE, but his weight class isn't certain yet for PFL.

"Wherever PFL needs him," Abdelaziz said. pic.twitter.com/AgJiOEIedY
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) December 28, 2023

Ramazanov becomes the latest high-profile name to depart ONE, after former champion Bibiano Fernandes didn't have his contract extended. The Brazilian didn't mince his words in response to the decision, advising fighters to "think twice" before joining the Singapore-based organization.

ONE has come under criticism in 2023 for largely abandoning mixed martial arts, leaving a host of fighters without action throughout the calendar year.

Many have speculated that as the reason behind Abdelaziz's recent remarks on social media, which saw him express concern for some fighters and their families before later accusing one unnamed promoter of "bullying fighters."

Ramazanov Wastes No Time Calling Out Opponent For PFL Debut

Although Ramazanov's new destination was only announced this week, the undefeated Dagestani is already lining up a desired opponent for his debut inside the PFL SmartCage.

On Instagram, the promotional newcomer addressed middleweight veteran Gegard Mousasi. The former Bellator champion recently accused Derek Brunson of turning down a fight and noted that the PFL is searching for an opponent.

Ramazanov raised his hand, calling on PFL executives to book him opposite Mousasi, who he branded a "legend of MMA."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Мурад Рамазанов (@murad_ramazanovmma)

"Rumors that nobody wants to fight Gegard, I will gladly share the cage with him," Ramazanov wrote. "Make it happen @sugarraysefo @kogan_mike @eduardocunhalima I heard they can't find an opponent to the legend of MMA @mousasi according to me. #letsgo "

It remains to be seen who Ramazanov will get his first taste of PFL action against and which weight he will fight at moving forward, having competed at both welterweight and middleweight in his career thus far.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: