Kevin Lee signs with PFL, faces Gadzhi Rabadanov in June 20 PFL 5 main event

Kevin Lee has officially signed with the PFL and is set to headline PFL 5 by facing Gadzhi Rabadanov on June 20. The fight comes after Jay Jay Wilson was sidelined due to injury, opening the door for Lee to step in as Rabadanov's new opponent. Lee brings a professional record of 20-8, while Rabadanov enters the bout at 25-4-1.

Fans are eager to see how Lee, a former UFC title challenger, will perform in his PFL debut against a tough and experienced Rabadanov. This last-minute change adds a layer of intrigue to the event and shakes up the lightweight division. Find out what this fight means for both athletes and what to expect from one of the most anticipated matchups of the season by checking out all the details about the PFL main event.

Kevin Lee Signs With PFL and Main Event Announcement

Kevin Lee has officially joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and will headline PFL 5 as he takes on Gadzhi Rabadanov. The lightweight bout was scheduled following the injury of Jay Jay Wilson, with Lee stepping in as the new challenger for the main event on June 20 in Wichita.

Kevin Lee's Signing With Professional Fighters League

Kevin Lee, a former UFC title contender, has signed with the Professional Fighters League. This marks a significant move for both Lee and PFL, as Lee brings a wealth of experience with a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 8 losses. He was well known during his time in the UFC for challenging top-ranked fighters and putting on competitive performances.

The PFL officially announced Lee’s signing on May 28, confirming that he would immediately take part in a top-tier matchup. For both fans and the league, the addition brings more attention to the PFL's lightweight division. Lee’s arrival signals a fresh start as he seeks to make a mark in a new organization after his previous UFC stints.

Main Event Matchup: Kevin Lee vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov

For the PFL 5 main event, Kevin Lee faces Gadzhi Rabadanov, who currently holds a professional record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Rabadanov has built a reputation as a tough and well-rounded competitor, including a recent knockout victory that helped earn him the main event spot.

The lightweight fight is a headline attraction for the event. With both athletes known for aggressive styles, the bout is expected to be competitive. Lee aims to make an immediate impact in his PFL debut, while Rabadanov seeks to continue his rise through the lightweight ranks.

Check out more on the main event matchup between Lee and Rabadanov.

PFL 5 Event Details and Date

PFL 5 is scheduled for June 20, 2025. This event will take place at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The venue is known for hosting large sporting events and is expected to attract a substantial crowd for this main card.

Besides the Lee vs. Rabadanov main event, PFL 5 will showcase several other fights featuring top talent from the league. The season format and playoff implications add extra significance to every contest. Fans can look forward to an action-packed evening, with the main event anticipated to draw wide attention.

More details about tickets and scheduling are available through the official PFL website.

Replacement of Jay Jay Wilson

Originally, Jay Jay Wilson was set to compete in the PFL 5 lightweight main event. Wilson’s injury created a sudden opening, leading to the need for a quick replacement. The PFL responded quickly by signing Kevin Lee, providing a new headline fight for the event.

Lee steps into the main event with short notice, giving him little time to prepare specifically for Rabadanov. This late change adds extra interest, as shifts in training and strategy could affect performance for both fighters. Rabadanov will have to adjust his plans to account for Lee instead of Wilson, bringing an unpredictable element to the main event.

Fighter Profiles and Recent Careers

The main event at PFL 5 will feature Kevin Lee taking on Gadzhi Rabadanov, with both fighters bringing unique backgrounds and strong records to the cage. Jay Jay Wilson was originally scheduled for the event, and several other athletes are set to compete that night.

Kevin Lee: Career Highlights and UFC History

Kevin Lee, known as "The Motown Phenom," made his name in the UFC lightweight division. He gained attention as a title challenger, fighting for the interim lightweight belt in 2017. Lee built up significant wins against fighters like Michael Chiesa and Edson Barboza. His combination of wrestling and striking skills made him a top contender for many years.

During his UFC run, Lee faced tough opponents such as Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson. He finished his UFC career with a record of 20-8. Lee is respected for his resilience and ability to adapt, making his transition to the PFL main event highly anticipated. Fans will be watching to see how he performs outside the UFC.

Gadzhi Rabadanov’s Rise in MMA

Gadzhi Rabadanov held a strong record of 25-4-1 before this event. He is known for his disciplined wrestling and powerful ground-and-pound. Rabadanov has built his reputation in various promotions, including Bellator and the PFL. He is the 2024 PFL lightweight champion, making this matchup with Lee even more important.

Rabadanov trains with high-level fighters and is recognized for his work ethic and calm approach in the cage. Many see him as a rising star due to his recent winning streaks and dominant performances. With his technical abilities, he is expected to be a significant challenge for Kevin Lee.

Jay Jay Wilson's Injury and Recent Performances

Jay Jay Wilson was set to compete in the PFL 5 main event but was forced out due to injury. His withdrawal opened the door for Kevin Lee to step in as a replacement. Wilson, a talented lightweight, had been on a promising run before the setback.

He earned attention for his grappling and finishing skills during recent fights. Wilson’s absence is a disappointment for fans waiting to see his progress. He will need time to recover and get back to competing at a high level.

Other Notable Fighters at PFL 5

PFL 5 features a lineup full of notable names ready to compete. Brent Primus, a former Bellator champion, is on the card and brings international experience. Elora Dana and Thiago Oliveira look to make strong impressions in their upcoming fights as well.

The lightweight division also includes skilled fighters like Marc Diakiese and Alfie Davis. They each have dynamic fighting styles and have competed in high-profile events. With this mix of established stars and rising talent, PFL 5 will be in the spotlight of the MMA world.

PFL 5 Card Structure and Tournament Implications

PFL 5 brings several key storylines into focus, from the lightweight main event between Kevin Lee and Gadzhi Rabadanov to important matchups in the bantamweight and women’s flyweight divisions. The outcomes will affect both the semifinals picture and who remains in contention for the season’s top prizes.

Significance of the Lightweight Tournament

The lightweight tournament is one of the main draws of the PFL World Tournament. Kevin Lee's recent signing and immediate step into the main event shows the depth and unpredictability of this season’s lightweight field. Gadzhi Rabadanov, coming in as the 2024 PFL champion, brings a 25-4-1 record and a strong reputation as a tough opponent.

Lee replacing the injured Jay Jay Wilson alters the tournament dynamics. The winner here could shape the lightweight semifinal matchups and get closer to the lightweight title. Every fight is crucial because points accumulated advance a fighter’s chance to make the semifinals and, eventually, the PFL World Tournament 6 as contenders for the championship.

Potential Path to the PFL World Tournament Semifinals

Every bout at PFL 5 impacts the playoff landscape. The lightweight winner between Lee and Rabadanov could secure or lock in a spot in the semifinals, getting one step closer to both the PFL lightweight champion title and its rewards. These high-stakes matches add pressure for athletes who are looking to collect enough points to advance.

Semifinal matchups are influenced by not only wins but also the method and round of victory, as bonus points are awarded for early finishes. This unique system encourages more aggressive fighting. With Lee entering the field, the bracket could see unexpected changes if he defeats Rabadanov and jumps into the playoff picture.

Co-Main Event and Additional Divisions

Beyond the main event, the co-main event will likely feature important contests in either the bantamweight or women’s flyweight classes. Fighters such as Jake Hadley, Marcirley Alves, Mando Gutierrez, and Justin Wetzell are some of the notable names expected to compete in these key divisions.

The women’s flyweight event gains more attention with former Bellator flyweight champion Liz Carmouche now competing in the PFL. The co-main and undercard matchups in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions are set to help determine which athletes will move into the semifinals, potentially shaking up established rankings and playoff brackets.

Prize Money and Tournament Stakes

PFL’s season format is built around a clear path to significant prize money. Each year, the division winner becomes PFL champion and claims a top prize, often set at $1 million, in addition to regular bout earnings. These financial rewards increase the stakes for every match during the tournament, motivating fighters to push harder in both early and late rounds.

Qualifying for the semifinals is crucial not just for status but for access to bigger payouts. Fighters are incentivized by both the chance to win their weight class, such as lightweight or bantamweight, and the opportunity to continue competing for the season’s highest rewards. A loss could mean elimination from both the tournament and the race for major prize money.

Event Location, Broadcast, and Impact

The upcoming main event between Kevin Lee and Gadzhi Rabadanov is set for Wichita, Kansas, and will be featured as part of the PFL’s growing schedule. This fight highlights new partnerships and is expected to make waves in the MMA world.

Intrust Bank Arena and Wichita, Kansas Overview

The headline bout is scheduled at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita. This venue is one of the top sports and entertainment centers in Kansas with a seating capacity of over 15,000.

Wichita has become an attractive destination for combat sports. The city has recently seen events like Lights Out Championship and Lights Out Championship 17, drawing attention from MMA fans in the Midwest.

Hosting a PFL main event puts Wichita on the map for major fights and showcases the area’s increasing role in high-level MMA. The local fan base is known for strong support of both rising

prospects and veteran fighters.

DAZN and Global Fight League Partnerships

The broadcast of this fight will be partnered with DAZN, the popular sports streaming platform known for its comprehensive combat sports coverage. This gives viewers in the United States and internationally easy access to watch the event live.

PFL has also worked with the Global Fight League to expand their reach and build a wider network for MMA content. These partnerships improve production quality by featuring advanced tech like SmartCage, which gives fans more stats and insights during each bout.

Bringing these fights to a digital audience helps grow the sport and keeps fans up-to-date with real-time analysis, live scoring, and exclusive interviews.

Impact of the Event on PFL and MMA Landscape

Kevin Lee’s short-notice replacement and his matchup with Rabadanov bring new energy to the PFL season. With Lee stepping in for Jay Jay Wilson, the card becomes a must-watch for those following fight developments in the lightweight division.

The event’s location and high-level partnerships create buzz that will likely boost attendance and viewership. Focus on key MMA techniques, such as elbows and submissions—including the potential for a first-round submission finish—adds intrigue for both dedicated and casual fans.

Hosting a main event at such a large arena with streaming on DAZN reflects the league's ambitions. It also strengthens PFL’s reputation in the competitive MMA world by drawing top fighters and attention from organizations like the UFC.