Abubakar Nurmagomedov Withdraws From PFL Dubai Fight
The younger cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out of his bout against David Martinez at the start of fight week.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Abubakar Nurmagomedov withdrew from his scheduled PFL Dubai fight against David Martinez at the start of fight week. Saygid Izagakhmaev is set to face Martinez in his first outing since his UFC release.
Why it matters
The withdrawal reshapes the undercard of a PFL event that runs on the same weekend as the UFC 334 championship doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. It also removes a fighter with a notable family name from a card that competes for the same fan attention.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov's UFC record stands at 2-2, with his most recent UFC appearance in 2023 and a split-decision loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in 2024. The stated reason for the withdrawal is not included in the available reporting.
The players
Abubakar Nurmagomedov
A mixed martial artist and the younger cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was suspended after the UFC 229 brawl following his cousin's win over Conor McGregor.
David Martinez
A mixed martial artist scheduled to face Abubakar Nurmagomedov before the matchup was reshuffled.
Saygid Izagakhmaev
A mixed martial artist who was released by the UFC and set to replace Abubakar Nurmagomedov against David Martinez at PFL Dubai.
The details
Abubakar Nurmagomedov pulled out of his undercard clash with David Martinez at the start of fight week for the PFL Dubai event. Saygid Izagakhmaev was set to take the bout and make his first appearance since being released by the UFC.
Timeline
2018: Abubakar was handed a one-year suspension and fined $25,000 after the UFC 229 brawl.
2023: Abubakar last competed in the UFC.
2024: Abubakar lost a split decision to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
November 10, 2026: Abubakar's withdrawal was reported at the start of fight week.
November 14, 2026: The PFL Dubai event takes place.
Season Trajectory
Abubakar's career path has been shaped by the one-year suspension and $25,000 fine handed down after the UFC 229 brawl, which followed his cousin Khabib's submission of Conor McGregor. His current withdrawal from PFL Dubai adds another turn to a record that has included a 2-2 UFC run and a 2024 split-decision loss.
The withdrawal means the PFL Dubai card on Saturday, November 14 now features Saygid Izagakhmaev against David Martinez instead of the originally announced matchup. Fantasy and betting lines tied to Abubakar Nurmagomedov's bout will need to be updated accordingly.
The takeaway
A late withdrawal during fight week can quickly alter an entire undercard, and fans following the PFL Dubai card should check official event listings for the final lineup. Readers tracking the fighters involved can review their records to see how recent results shape matchmaking decisions.
Further reading
For more on the sport's competitive landscape, see Mixed Martial Arts.
