Not many fighters are eager to step into the cage with the undefeated Dagestani powerhouse and former PFL featherweight champion Movlid Khaybulaev, but Canada’s own Jeremy Kennedy is more than up for the challenge.
Kennedy, boasting a strong record of 19 wins, 5 losses, and a draw, has already proven his mettle with successful runs in the UFC, where he went 3-1, and in Bellator MMA, where he battled for a featherweight title. Now back competing in the PFL, he’s ready to face off against Khaybulaev, a man widely regarded as one of the toughest opponents in the division.
In an exclusive conversation with Cageside Press, Kennedy expressed his enthusiasm for this matchup. “This fight definitely gets me pumped. Out of all possible opponents, aside from two guys I’ve already faced and want rematches with, Khaybulaev has the name that carries the most weight,” Kennedy shared. The fight is set for Thursday at the PFL 1 card, launching the PFL World Tournament. “He’s undefeated, and there’s all this buzz about the Dagestanis shaking up the MMA world right now. It would be pretty incredible to be the one to hand him his first loss. That’s thrilling for me.”
Another aspect that excites Kennedy about this fight is the contrasting styles it presents. “This matchup really brings out the best in me,” he explained. “I’m not going up against another kickboxer or striker where I have to be cautious about takedowns. The plan is straightforward: take this guy down.”
Kennedy is eager to showcase his skills against Khaybulaev. “I need to take this fight from standing to ground. I want to display my striking abilities, counter his wrestling, and I’m not hesitant to wrestle with these guys. I trust my MMA grappling skills and wrestling against anyone, regardless of where they’re from,” he stated confidently.
He’s not shying away from initiating takedowns either. “I’m more than ready for any grappling exchanges,” he added.
Eyeing the other quarterfinal bout in his section of the tournament bracket, where Nathan Kelly faces Kim Tae-kyun, Kennedy believes he’s facing the toughest challenge right out of the gate. “I think I’ve got the most difficult matchup first,” he admitted, emphasizing that he means no offense to the other fighters. “The next toughest opponents are on the other side of the bracket. They’ve got some serious contenders, all four of them.”
On the opposite side, Gabriel Braga is set to clash with Yves Landu, while Jesus Pinedo takes on Adam Borics. “Right now, all my focus is on April 3. There’s a big job ahead of me, and once I get through it, then I can refocus and adjust,” he said.
Later, Kennedy remarked, “This tournament is going to be a grind, and there’s no better way to kick it off than jumping straight into the fire against Movlid.” Since Khaybulaev hasn’t lost, with his absence due to time off and injury after his 2021 victory, “you could argue that he’s still the defending champ,” Kennedy noted.
“I’m coming for the defending champ, ready to seize that momentum and carry it into my next fight,” he declared.
Catch our full interview with Jeremy Kennedy as he prepares for 2025’s PFL 1. The event unfolds on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
