Preview: 2025 PFL Africa 1

Lightweights

Makkasharip Zaynukov (16-4, 1-0 PFL) vs. Takeshi Izumi (6-3, 0-0 PFL)

Dagestan’s Zaynukov is one of the lesser-known talents to emerge from the esteemed Eagles MMA gym, yet he still represents the winning pedigree that the gym is accustomed to. He has won his last five fights and hasn’t tasted defeat in nearly four years. Zaynukov shined in his PFL debut against Dedrek Sanders last October. After controlling Sanders against the fence with ease for two rounds, Zakynukov showcased his mean streak when he battered Sanders without mercy en route to a 10-8 round in the final stanza. Despite missing out on the finish, Zaynukov isn’t a lay-and-pray type of fighter who’s going to look to stall. His mindset is on advancing to his positions and making you pay with whatever weapons he can throw.

There isn’t much on paper that stands out for Izumi. The Japanese lightweight has never finished a fighter but has been knocked out twice in his career. In his last fight, he defeated Spike Carlyle by unanimous decision at Rizin 50, but hopes to make a name for himself in his PFL debut. Izumi won a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2017 Asian Games, and that experience has carried him throughout his MMA career. Luckily for Izumi, Zaynukov is the type of fighter that could play into his skillset and give him the grappling match he’s hoping for. Although Izumi’s amateur wrestling pedigree is impressive, it’s hard to see the 36-year-old stifling Zakynukov in the clinch. The Dagestani product closes off the cage with front kicks and overhand rights before shooting against the cage. Izumi isn’t a pushover, but he’s fighting an opponent who is better at the game he wants to play. If this fight goes to the ground, Zakynukov carries the advantage and could grapple his way to a clear decision.



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Eblen vs. Van Steenis
Ditcheva vs. Inaba
McKee vs. Magomedov
Zaynukov vs. Izumi
Anderson vs. Goltsov
The Prelims