Alfie Davis: The Unlikely PFL Champion Who Defied Retirement
Just twelve months ago, Alfie Davis was on the verge of walking away from mixed martial arts forever. The 33-year-old lightweight from London felt time was slipping through his fingers and believed his fighting career had reached its natural conclusion. Exhausted by the grind and with diminishing hope, he entered the 2025 Professional Fighters League tournament with minimal expectations, viewing it as one last chance to make something meaningful happen inside the cage.
An Underdog Story for the Ages
Instead of fading quietly into retirement, Davis authored one of the most remarkable underdog narratives in recent combat sports history. Few analysts predicted he would even survive the opening round, especially when matched against the experienced former UFC contender Clay Collard. The consensus was that Davis would face a swift defeat, but the tournament unexpectedly ignited a transformation in his mindset and confidence.
One victory led to another, and suddenly the overlooked outsider found himself competing for the championship. By the season's end, Davis had achieved the unthinkable: he secured the PFL lightweight title, claimed the $500,000 grand prize, and experienced a life-altering moment that completely reshaped his future.
The Mental Shift That Changed Everything
In an interview with The Sun, Davis confessed that he entered the competition anticipating an early loss. He originally believed Clay Collard would defeat him and approached the bout as a final opportunity to simply enjoy fighting without pressure. However, after securing that first win, his belief began to grow. When he notched another victory, he realized he could potentially go all the way and started trusting his own abilities more than ever before.
His journey continued with a semifinal triumph over Brent Primus in June, followed by a stunning upset against favorite Gadzhi Rabadanov in the championship final. This victory earned him both the PFL lightweight title and the substantial financial reward.
Life-Changing Rewards and Future Challenges
The championship success enabled Davis to purchase a new house for his wife and two sons, a move he described as surreal since the family had long planned it but previously couldn't afford it. He noted that while daily life has remained mostly normal, the people around him seem happier and more excited for his achievements.
The British fighter revealed that losing the tournament would have meant immediate retirement. He had been contemplating regular employment and stability, especially since many friends his age already had established long-term careers. Supporting his family was a primary concern, but the victory allowed him to continue pursuing his passion professionally.
Davis now faces another formidable challenge in Dubai against PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. He acknowledges that he's once again viewed as the underdog but believes defeating such a renowned opponent would represent a monumental achievement and the perfect reward for his years of dedication to the sport.
