The 20 Absolute Best Swedish MMA Fights In 2023!

8. Ali Taleb vs. Khurshed Kakhorov

Photo via Instagram (@iamalitaleb)

When Swedish bantamweight phenom Ali Taleb clashed with Khurshed “Killer” Kakhorov in the PFL Europe bantamweight semifinal in Paris, both fighters put on one hell of a show.

Taleb started strong and floored his opponent with a slick boxing combo that ended with a heavy uppercut that made the Swedish fans in Paris grasp for air.

However, Kakhorov survived and stepped on the gas pedal in the second round. He put on heavy pressure and landed nasty kicks and punches that almost finished the Swede. After controlling most of round three, Kakhorov stood as the winner with 29-28, 29-27 and 29-27 on the scorecards.

“This guy is very strong,” Kakhorov said in the post-fight interview. “I was surprised, I thought ‘who the fuck is this guy?’”