Veteran Stots Faces Rising Star Khavalov in PFL Chicago Grappling Battle

Seasoned MMA fighter Raufeon Stots looks to regain top contender status against undefeated Renat Khavalov in a highly anticipated matchup.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:58am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the intense grappling and movement of two MMA fighters locked in a fierce battle.Two MMA fighters engage in a grappling battle, their movements captured in a vibrant, explosive expressionist painting.Chicago Today

Raufeon Stots, a 21-3 veteran in the world of mixed martial arts, is set to face off against rising star Renat Khavalov, who boasts an undefeated 11-0 record, in a pivotal grappling showdown at PFL Chicago. Stots, a former Bellator interim bantamweight champion, is seeking redemption after a recent string of setbacks, while the young Khavalov, training under the renowned Khabib's camp, looks to extend his unbeaten streak and cement his status as a top contender.

Why it matters

This matchup between the experienced Stots and the undefeated Khavalov promises to be a thrilling display of grappling prowess, as both fighters possess exceptional skills on the mat. The outcome of this bout could have significant implications for the future of the bantamweight division, with the winner potentially emerging as a top contender for a championship title.

The details

Stots, who is 37 years old, has a record of 21-3, with his lone loss coming against the renowned Merab Dvalishvili. After splitting his past four fights, including a decision loss to Sergio Pettis in June, Stots is determined to reclaim his former glory. Khavalov, on the other hand, is a rising star with an impressive 11-0 record, and is training under the esteemed Khabib's camp. The contrast in styles between the veteran Stots and the youthful Khavalov is expected to make for a highly competitive and unpredictable contest.

  • The PFL Chicago event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Raufeon Stots

A seasoned veteran in the world of mixed martial arts, with a record of 21-3. Stots is a former Bellator interim bantamweight champion who is seeking redemption after a recent string of setbacks.

Renat Khavalov

A rising star in the MMA world, with an undefeated record of 11-0. Khavalov is training under the esteemed Khabib's camp and is looking to cement his status as a top contender.

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What they’re saying

“I'm super motivated for this fight. I'm excited to remind people what I'm capable of and to fight an unfamiliar guy.”

— Raufeon Stots

“You've got two people, pretty much at the top of their game, that mix it up really well. This fight kind of sells itself on paper. You've got a veteran, championship-tested fighter against somebody who's passed every test that he's been given.”

— Raufeon Stots

What’s next

The winner of the Stots vs. Khavalov matchup could potentially earn a shot at the PFL bantamweight championship, further cementing their status as a top contender in the division.

The takeaway

This fight showcases the ever-evolving nature of the MMA landscape, where seasoned veterans and rising stars collide in a pursuit of excellence. Regardless of the outcome, the Stots vs. Khavalov bout is sure to captivate fans and leave a lasting impact on the sport.