Pawel Pawlak successfully defended his middleweight title for the fourth time by defeating Mamed Khalidov via TKO in the final seconds of the fourth round. The championship bout showcased Pawlak's resilience and finishing ability as he secured the stoppage victory just before the round ended. This marked Pawlak's fourth consecutive title defense in the middleweight division. The late finish prevented the fight from going to a fifth and final round. Details about the specific finish or buildup to the stoppage were limited in the announcement.
Pawel Pawlak made the fourth successful defense of his middleweight title on April 19, 2026, stopping Mamed Khalidov via TKO in the closing seconds of the fourth round to retain his championship.
Pawlak, 37, now carries a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses. The Polish fighter, who trains out of Octopus Lodz, stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach and competes out of an orthodox stance. His statistical profile reflects a measured, calculated approach inside the cage — he lands 1.67 significant strikes per minute at 33 percent accuracy, supplemented by one takedown attempt per 15 minutes of action. The late stoppage against Khalidov underlined his finishing ability, securing the victory just before the bell would have sent the fight into a fifth and final round.
Khalidov, one of the most recognized names in European MMA, was not represented in the verified fighter data, and specific details surrounding the buildup and the precise mechanics of the finish were limited at the time of announcement.
Why it matters
- Pawlak has now defended his middleweight title four consecutive times, cementing his hold on the division
- The ability to finish a seasoned opponent like Khalidov late in round four speaks to his durability and composure under championship pressure
- At 37, Pawlak continues to perform at a high level, raising questions about who remains in line for a title shot in the middleweight picture
