Alexander Shabliy ended a lengthy absence from competition by defeating Alfie Davis via unanimous decision in PFL. The win marks Shabliy's successful return to the cage after an extended break.
Alexander Shabliy ended a prolonged absence from professional competition by outpointing Alfie Davis across three rounds in the PFL, earning a unanimous decision victory on June 28, 2026.
Shabliy, known by the nickname "Peresvet," improves to 24-4-0 with the win. The 31-year-old Russian stands five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach and has built his career as a controlled, measured fighter. His output numbers reflect a patient style, landing just 0.16 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 38.52 percent, suggesting he picks his shots selectively rather than relying on volume. The victory represents a meaningful step back into the win column after his extended layoff.
Davis, known as "The Axe Man," drops to 20-5-1 following the defeat. The 33-year-old stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach and brought a noticeably more active striking game into the matchup, averaging 0.6 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 56.6 percent — among the sharper numbers in his division. Despite that output, he was unable to secure the finish or the judges' favor on the night.
Why it matters
- Shabliy's return to form at 31 reestablishes him as a relevant presence in the PFL lightweight picture
- Davis's loss snaps his forward momentum and raises questions about his path back into contention
- The contrasting styles — Shabliy's low-volume control game versus Davis's higher-output striking — made the judges' unanimous verdict a clear statement about how the fight unfolded
