Timur Khizriev vs Gabriel Braga

👊 Khizriev returns to the cage after nearly a two-year layoff, still boasting a flawless 18-0 record. The Russian last fought in November 2024, when he outpointed Brendan Loughnane by decision to claim the PFL championship belt. Timur has already faced Braga in the semifinals of that same season—a bout that went the distance and ended with Khizriev edging out a split decision win. Since then, the Brazilian has stayed active, picking up a unanimous decision victory over Chaiden Leialoha in April of this year.

Both fighters are no strangers to going the distance: 14 of Khizriev’s 18 wins and nine of Braga’s 17 victories have come by way of decision. The Russian relies on wrestling and positional dominance to control his opponents, while the Brazilian prefers to keep his range and land precise strikes. Their first encounter proved that each can effectively neutralize the other’s strengths. After such a lengthy absence, Khizriev is unlikely to take unnecessary risks, making another drawn-out contest the most logical scenario. Our pick: over 2.5 rounds.