‘The Lazy King’ finally finds a home: Abdoul Abdouraguimov signs with PFL

One of the top free agents in MMA, Abdoul Abdouraguimov has signed with PFL after months of campaigning for a UFC shot.

“The Lazy King” finally is taking a step up to the big leagues.

After months of calling for a shot in a major promotion, [autotag]Abdoul Abdouraguimov[/autotag] has his, as Thursday it was announced Abdouraguimov (16-1) signed with PFL. The announcement was made by the promotion, Abdouraguimov, and his former promotion, ARES FC.

Abdouraguimov (16-1) is 27, holds two ARES FC titles (at welterweight and middleweight), has a massive online fanbase, and speaks four languages fluently. With 13 finishes and a slew of notable regional wins, he was considered by many as one of the best unsigned prospects in MMA.

In recent weeks, he advocated heavily for a slot on the upcoming UFC Fight Night event Sept. 2 in Paris, but instead will make his debut Sept. 30 in Paris vs. Quemuel Ottoni (12-3) at PFL Europe 3.

Abdouraguimov, 28, is expected to enter the 2024 PFL welterweight playoffs following his upcoming fight. He enters the bout on a six-fight winning streak including wins over UFC alum Godofredo Pepey and Bellator alum Karl Amoussou.

โ€œRight now after Ciryl Gane in France โ€ฆ itโ€™s โ€˜Lazy King,'” Abdouraguimov told MMA Junkie in July. “โ€˜Lazy Kingโ€™ is the real deal. โ€ฆ I am a showman. I can make some show. Iโ€™m not only a fighter. Also, I can talk. I can show, and I can talk about science also. We can do everything.โ€