Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Khabib Nabiev has had his PFL New York fight canceled after the New York State Athletic Commission refused to sanction his opponent, Jamelle Jones. Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed the news publicly, stating the commission did not allow Jones to compete and that the reasons remained unclear. Nabiev, who trains under Nurmagomedov and carries a 12-0 professional record, was 1-0 in the PFL heading into the bout. The cancellation is one of several bouts to fall off the card during a turbulent fight week for the promotion.
Khabib Nabiev's scheduled PFL bout in New York has been pulled from the card after the New York State Athletic Commission refused to sanction his opponent, Jamelle Jones, leaving the unbeaten light heavyweight prospect without a fight during what has already been a turbulent week for the promotion.
Nabiev, who trains under retired undefeated legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, entered the matchup riding a perfect 12-0 professional record and was 1-0 inside the PFL. The Russian prospect has built his reputation under the guidance of Nurmagomedov's camp, and the cancellation represents a significant disruption to his momentum in the organization.
Jones, a 38-year-old American fighter who competes out of Trevor Prangley's American Kickboxing Academy, holds a professional record of 7-5. The 183-centimeter orthodox fighter carries a 75-inch reach and had been booked to serve as the test for Nabiev on the New York card. The NYSAC's decision to block his participation has effectively scuttled the contest entirely.
Nurmagomedov addressed the situation publicly, stating that the commission did not permit Jones to compete while offering no clarity on the specific reasons behind the decision. The 37-year-old 29-0 legend, who now operates primarily as a trainer and promoter, confirmed the news directly, leaving both camps in the dark over the circumstances.
Why it matters
- Nabiev loses a valuable opportunity to build his PFL record and raise his profile in the light heavyweight division
- The NYSAC's denial of Jones without public explanation raises questions about the vetting process during fight week
- The cancellation adds to a broader pattern of bouts falling off the PFL New York card, compounding difficulties for the promotion heading into the event
