5 Things You Might Not Know About Abdoul Abdouraguimov

Professional Fighters League movers and shakers have to like what they see in Abdoul Abdouraguimov—a potential star in the making at 170 pounds.

“The Lazy King” will look to continue his climb on the company’s welterweight ladder when he faces Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Laureano Staropoli in the PFL Europe 2024 Finals headliner on Saturday at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. Abdouraguimov enters the cage on the strength of an eight-fight winning streak that now spans more than four years. The 29-year-old last saw action at PFL Europe 1, where he eked out a split decision against Jack Grant in their three-round encounter on March 7.

As Abdouraguimov approaches his latest assignment opposite Staropoli, here are five things you might not know about the Russian grappler:

1. His origins are of the middle-of-nowhere variety.

Abdouraguimov was born in Nizhny Dzhengutay, Russia, a village of roughly 7,500 people situated near the Republic of Dagestan’s geographic center—more than 3,000 miles from where he now trains in France. He made his pro debut at the age of 21 on Nov. 26, 2016, when he turned away Adrien Moreira with an anaconda choke under the 100% Fight banner.

2. Proven commodities serve as his support system.

The MMA Factory in Paris functions as Abdouraguimov’s base of operation. There, he hones his skills under Fernand Lopez Owonyebe. Among the others who have called the highly regarded gym home: current UFC heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane and reigning PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

3. He checked all the regional boxes.

Prior to his arrival in the PFL a little over a year ago, Abdouraguimov was a two-division titleholder—he held belts at welterweight and middleweight—in the Ares Fighting Championship organization. He also captured titles in the Brave Combat Federation, Hit Fighting Championship and 100% Fight promotions.

4. He prefers not to waste time or energy.

Abdouraguimov sports 12 first-round finishes—they account for two-thirds of his professional total—on his resume, highlighted by his 99-second rear-naked choke submission of Aleko Saghliani at a Hit Fighting Championship show on Oct. 21, 2017.

5. Gulliver would envy him.

Abdouraguimov has suited up in 10 different countries during his 20-fight career. France, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Morocco, Pakistan, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Sweden and Bahrain comprise the list.