Alexander Shabliy ended an extended absence from competition by defeating Alfie Davis via unanimous decision in PFL. The victory marks a successful return for the fighter after a lengthy spell away from the cage.
Alexander Shabliy ended a prolonged absence from professional competition by defeating Alfie Davis via unanimous decision inside the PFL cage, with the result recorded on June 28, 2026.
Shabliy, known by his nickname Peresvet, improved his professional record to 24-4-0 with the victory. The 31-year-old Russian stands five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach and has built his career around measured, controlled performances. His striking output is relatively low at 0.16 significant strikes landed per minute, suggesting a fight style that prioritizes positioning and defensive discipline over volume, with a striking accuracy of just under 39 percent.
Davis, nicknamed The Axe Man, drops to 20-5-1 with the defeat. The 33-year-old stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach and enters most bouts as the more active striker. His 0.6 significant strikes landed per minute is notably higher than Shabliy's output, and his 56.6 percent striking accuracy marks him as one of the more precise punchers in his division. Despite those numbers, Davis was unable to secure the finish or outpoint his opponent across the judges' scorecards.
Why it matters
- Shabliy's return from a lengthy layoff signals he remains a viable contender in his division within the PFL format
- Davis absorbs only his fifth professional loss, but back-to-back setbacks could affect his playoff positioning or seeding
- The contrasting styles — Shabliy's cautious, low-volume approach against Davis's higher-output striking — made the judges' unanimous verdict a clear statement on the night's control and effective grappling exchanges
- Both fighters remain in the mix at lightweight, where PFL's tournament structure means every decision can carry significant consequences for season standings
