Damir Ismagulov (26-3) will become the first Kazakh fighter in the new star promotion Global Fighting League (GFL) . The league's inaugural events will take place in April, where 32-year-old Damir will compete for a team from Dubai (UAE). A correspondent from Vesti.kz shares insights on the most exciting potential matchups featuring Ismagulov in GFL.
Damir was drafted by the Dubai team, which will be coached by the mentor of Khabib Nurmagomedov , Islam Makhachev , Cain Velasquez , Daniel Cormier , and other MMA stars - Javier Mendez .
Another lightweight on his team is 35-year-old Azerbaijani fighter Tofik Musaev (22-5), known for his performances in Bellator and RIZIN . The Dubai team likely has the strongest lightweight duo at this time.
What advantages does Ismagulov possess? Firstly, he is among the relatively younger lightweights across all six GFL teams. At 33 years old, he is younger than eight other athletes in this weight category. Two of his potential opponents are already over 40, which could play a crucial role.
Secondly, Damir boasts the best professional record among all lightweights in the league, with 89 percent of his fights ending in victory and only three losses—others have worse statistics, some significantly so.
Another advantage for Ismagulov is his winning streak. He has won two consecutive fights, a streak shared by only three lightweight competitors, including Damir's teammate - Musaev. Additionally, he is one of the most active fighters in this division, with two MMA wins and one boxing victory in 2024.
So, who could Ismagulov potentially fight in the GFL tournaments?
Once a Young UFC Prodigy. A Bright Future Was Predicted for Him
One of Ismagulov's potential opponents is American Sage Northcutt (12-3). He is the youngest fighter drafted in this weight class. 28-year-old Northcutt made a big splash nearly ten years ago when he entered the UFC at a young age and immediately began to secure impressive early victories.
A winner of 77 world karate championships for children, he holds an undefeated kickboxing record (15-0) and possesses solid Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. However, at the time, he was considered raw for the UFC, leaving the promotion with a record of 6-2.
The talented fighter, with a model-like appearance, who was expected to become the face of the UFC, eventually moved to Singapore's ONE Championship . There, he unexpectedly lost by knockout in his debut, suffering a jaw fracture in eight places (around 30 shards were removed!). From 2019 to 2023, he had a lengthy break. But in May 2023, he made a victorious return to ONE, forcing his opponent to submit in just 39 seconds.
If the league pairs Damir and Sage, it would be an exciting match, likely contested on the feet. Given that Damir is active and hasn't suffered any major upsets like Northcutt (the Kazakh has never lost early), he would likely be the favorite. Many would tune in for this matchup.
Notably, Northcutt will be representing the Los Angeles team (California, USA).
Former Bellator Champion and Victim of Star Fighters
Another high-profile fight could take place with 39-year-old Brazilian veteran Patricky Freire (25-14). Pitbull has extensive experience competing in Bellator and PFL , where he has fought a total of 28 times (16-12).
Currently, Patricky is on a three-fight losing streak and, due to his age, is unlikely to be seen as a serious test for Ismagulov. However, his name still carries weight and would positively impact the Kazakh's record.
In November 2021, he won the Bellator championship title but lost it a year later in a defense against undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov . Throughout his career, he has faced star champions like Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez , and in December 2019, he lost by decision to Damir's GFL teammate - Musaev.
Freire will represent the team from São Paulo (Brazil).
One of the Most Colorful Fighters in the UFC and Former Champion
It would be interesting to see Damir fight 38-year-old American Anthony Pettis (25-14). Over 14 years ago, he became the champion of WEC , and in August 2013, he captured the UFC title. At the end of 2014, he successfully defended his title by choking out Gilbert Melendez , but three months later lost the belt to Rafael dos Anjos .
Pettis has always been able to deliver a show in the cage, and his nickname Showtime speaks for itself. A dynamic fighter with excellent striking technique, he always pressed forward, even while absorbing powerful punches (how can we not recall his fight with Ferguson at UFC 229 ?).
His last fight in the UFC took place in December 2020, and his final record in the world's top league stands at 11-9. After that, he competed in the PFL, losing four out of five fights. His last bout occurred in the summer of 2022.
Stylistically, this matchup is intriguing, but the age difference and the fact that Pettis hasn't fought in three years raises concerns. On the other hand, in the last two years, he has had three boxing matches, just like Damir, who made his professional ring debut in December 2024. Therefore, Anthony still maintains a certain level of form.
In GFL, Pettis will represent the Miami team (Florida, USA).
Acclaimed UFC Veteran Now Retired
41-year-old Benson Henderson (30-12) will be the oldest lightweight in the GFL. The fighter hasn't competed in nearly two years, since March 2023, when he lost to Usman Nurmagomedov by decision in a title fight in Bellator. After that, he had a grappling match, a karate bout against Pettis, and two boxing fights.
Benson's peak came at the end of the 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s. He was first the WEC champion and then dominated in the UFC. He became champion by defeating Frankie Edgar and subsequently bested him in a rematch. He later successfully defended his title against Nate Diaz and Melendez. As with his WEC championship, he lost the UFC title after a fight with Pettis.
During his UFC career, Henderson secured 11 victories and suffered three losses, after which he had a notable tenure in Bellator, where he fought 14 more times (7-7). Twice, Benson challenged for the lightweight title, once in the welterweight division, but he lost all three title fights in Bellator.
The current Benson is unlikely to compete against younger and hungrier fighters like Ismagulov. However, for the Kazakh, it would be a significant name to add to his portfolio.
In the first season of GFL, Benson will represent the London team (UK).