HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Loik Radzhabov has punched his ticket to the lightweight finals after defeating Alex Martinez via unanimous decision in the semifinals at 2021 PFL Playoffs 1.
Radzhabov’s first opponent in his opening bout of the regular season in April was Martinez, a fight that he lost by split decision. For a moment, Radzhabov thought he could be in for a similar situation after the conclusion of their rematch on Friday, but the judges unanimously sided with him as the winner.
After three fights in a span of four months, the hectic schedule of the PFL season is something that Radzhabov wishes were a little different, to allow more time for rest and recovery.
“It’s quite demanding,” Radzhabov told MMA Junkie through a translator. “I wish there would be a little bit more time, maybe every three months, but it’s the format, we have to deal with that. A lot of people don’t realize that it’s a lot of pressure, and then the weight cutting. All of these things, they take a toll on you, and yes, even though there’s only one fight left, you need to remember there are three fights behind me and they all take a little toll on you. It’s not easy, but it’s part of what we do.”
The 2021 PFL finals take place on Oct. 27, where Radzhabov will meet Raush Manfio, who defeated Clay Collard via controversial unanimous decision on Friday.
Tajikistan’s Radzhabov is looking forward to meeting Manfio inside the cage, while also feeling the need to come through with a victory to satisfy his loyal fans who support his efforts.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Radzhabov said. “With all of this great support comes great responsibility. All of these people are watching me. They cheer me, they support the nation, but now I have to deliver.”
Watch the full post-fight interview with Radzhabov in the video above.
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