Alexander Shabliy ended an extended absence from competition by defeating Alfie Davis via unanimous decision in PFL action. The win marks a successful comeback for Shabliy after a lengthy layoff.
Alexander Shabliy made a successful return to the cage on June 28, 2026, defeating Alfie Davis by unanimous decision in PFL action, ending what had been a prolonged stretch away from competition.
Shabliy, known by the 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 on a controlled, wrestling-oriented approach. His significant strike output of 0.16 per minute reflects a fighter who picks his spots rather than engaging in volume exchanges, and his 38.52 percent striking accuracy underscores a measured, selective style on the feet.
Davis, nicknamed The Axe Man, drops to 20-5-1 after the defeat. The 33-year-old stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach and entered the contest as one of the more active strikers in the matchup, landing 0.60 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 56.6 percent accuracy. His output made him a genuine threat throughout, and the loss via judges' scorecards signals a competitive contest despite the clear result.
Why it matters
- Shabliy's ability to neutralize a high-accuracy striker like Davis speaks to his grappling-oriented game plan and durability returning from a layoff.
- At 24-4-0, Shabliy reasserts himself as a credible presence in the PFL lightweight or welterweight landscape depending on his division.
- Davis, still carrying a 20-win résumé at 33, remains a dangerous opponent, but back-to-back setbacks could complicate his path toward PFL playoff contention.
