Pawel Pawlak defeated Mamed Khalidov by TKO in the final second of the fourth round in a middleweight title fight. The victory represents Pawlak's fourth successful title defense. The dramatic finish came at the last possible moment of the round, showcasing Pawlak's ability to secure a finish under pressure. Khalidov, a legendary figure in European MMA, was unable to overcome Pawlak's offense. This performance further solidifies Pawlak's position as the dominant middleweight champion. The fight took place at a recent event, though the specific promotion details were limited in the post.
Pawel Pawlak delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of his career on April 19, 2026, stopping Mamed Khalidov via TKO in the final second of the fourth round to retain the middleweight championship.
The victory marks Pawlak's fourth successful title defense, further cementing his status as the division's dominant force. The 37-year-old Pole, who trains out of Octopus Lodz, carries a professional record of 12-3-0 and stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. Fighting out of an orthodox stance, Pawlak averages 1.67 significant strikes per minute and supplements his striking game with one takedown attempt per 15 minutes. The finish demonstrated his capacity to apply sustained pressure and convert a stoppage even at the championship rounds' furthest edge.
Khalidov, a legendary name in European MMA, entered the contest with considerable experience and pedigree behind him, yet was unable to withstand Pawlak's offensive output across four rounds.
Why it matters
- Pawlak's fourth title defense establishes him as one of the most accomplished middleweight champions in the promotion's history
- The late stoppage underlines his finishing ability even when bouts extend deep into championship rounds
- Khalidov's reputation makes this a signature win, adding genuine credibility to Pawlak's championship reign
- The result likely clears the path toward a future unification or high-profile challenger bout in the division
