Rising PFL star Alexei Pergande returns in Dubai vs. toughest test to date

Alexei Pergande is taking a step up. Is he ready?

Fight fans will get the answer to that question Nov. 14 when Pergande (8-0) fights Akhmed Magomedov (11-2) at PFL Dubai. The event takes place at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and airs on ESPN2.

Two people, including a promotion official, informed MMA Junkie of the bout.

Pergande, 25, is one of the PFL's hottest prospects. Against Magomedov, he might be able to finally prove himself as a contender. A Kill Cliff FC staple, Pergande has competed under the PFL banner for the entirety of his pro career. He most recently competed in March and won a unanimous decision over Julio Arce. A few viral social media clips later, Pergande sits at 387,000 Instagram followers and 822,000 TikTok followers.

"I love this matchup because it’s another good name to have in my record," Pergande said. "A tough wrestler training with a good team. I faced a well rounded tough UFC veteran last fight and showed my striking, now I can show my takedown defense & wrestling. The fans can expect a higher pace version of me, coming up from featherweight to lightweight I’ll have a lot more in the gas tank. 

"I think this is an opportunity for me to fight for a whole new audience and build a bigger fan base. This is my first time fighting outside of the US and I’m excited to show Dubai my skill set. Thank you guys for being patient with this fight news, I’ve been itching to get back into the cage as well. And I feel like this is the perfect time to do it. I’ll see you soon.”

Magomedov, 30, returns to action for the first time since a July 2025 loss to A.J. McKee. A member of Team Khabib Nurmagomedov, Magomedov carved out his name through BRAVE CF before he signed with Bellator in 2023. Activity has been the biggest challenge for the fighter since, having gone 1-1 since his contract was absorbed by PFL in late 2023.

PFL matchmaker and broadcaster Dan Hardy seems particularly energized by the promotion's handiwork with this one.

"This bout really shows the elite skill level of this division," Hardy said. "Magomedov is well-rounded but loves to bully with striking. Pergande has great footwork and accurate boxing skills, and is very hard to take down. Magomedov needs to get this fight to the floor where he can use his choking skills to get the finish. Alexei will be looking to stay at distance and find the knockout punch. A lot of people will be looking at the winner of this fight as the future of the division."