DOJO News
The Professional Fighters League heads to California this weekend for PFL San Diego: McKee vs. Isbulaev, an event headlined by former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee and undefeated Russian prospect Salamat Isbulaev.
Taking place at Pechanga Arena San Diego on Saturday, June 27, the card features former UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche, former Bellator lightweight title challenger Alexandr Shabliy, 2022 PFL champion Rob Wilkinson, and several undefeated prospects looking to make a statement.
Here’s everything fans need to know before PFL San Diego.
When Is PFL San Diego?
PFL San Diego takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
PFL San Diego Start Time
- Early Card: 8:00 PM ET (ESPN+)
- Main Card: 10:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
International broadcast information may vary by region.
Where Is PFL San Diego Taking Place?
PFL San Diego will be held at Pechanga Arena San Diego in San Diego, California.
The event marks the Professional Fighters League’s first-ever visit to San Diego, adding another major MMA destination to the promotion’s growing schedule.
Who Is Fighting in the PFL San Diego Main Event?
The main event features former Bellator Featherweight World Champion A.J. “Mercenary” McKee against undefeated Russian prospect Salamat Isbulaev.
McKee enters with a 24-2 professional record and remains one of the biggest stars under the PFL banner. Known for his elite grappling, speed and finishing ability, McKee has defeated some of the sport’s biggest names during his career.
Standing across from him is unbeaten Salamat Isbulaev (10-0), who has quietly built an impressive record while emerging as one of Europe’s top featherweight prospects. A victory over McKee would instantly elevate Isbulaev into championship contention.
Why Is A.J. McKee vs. Salamat Isbulaev Important?
This matchup could shape the future of the PFL featherweight division.
McKee is looking to remind fans why he has long been considered one of the world’s best featherweights, while Isbulaev has the opportunity to score the biggest win of his career against one of MMA’s most accomplished fighters.
With both men possessing excellent finishing ability, the headline bout could produce one of the most exciting fights of the weekend.
Who Is Fighting in the PFL San Diego Co-Main Event?
Former UFC flyweight title challenger Liz Carmouche returns to face Brazilian veteran Viviane Araújo in the women’s flyweight co-main event.
Carmouche remains one of the PFL’s most experienced competitors and will look to strengthen her championship aspirations against the dangerous former UFC contender.
Which Fighters Should Fans Watch at PFL San Diego?
The main card also features several recognizable names.
Former Bellator lightweight title challenger Alexandr Shabliy meets England’s Alfie Davis in a pivotal lightweight contest, while former PFL light heavyweight champion Rob Wilkinson battles England’s Abraham Bably.
Fans should also keep an eye on undefeated featherweight Khasan Magomedsharipov, who faces veteran Joshua Weems after an opponent change. Many view Magomedsharipov as one of the promotion’s brightest young prospects.
PFL San Diego Full Fight Card
Main Card
- A.J. McKee vs. Salamat Isbulaev (Featherweight)
- Liz Carmouche vs. Viviane Araújo (Women’s Flyweight)
- Alexandr Shabliy vs. Alfie Davis (Lightweight)
- Abraham Bably vs. Rob Wilkinson (Light Heavyweight)
Early Card
- Khasan Magomedsharipov vs. Joshua Weems (Featherweight)
- Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Jena Bishop (Women’s Flyweight)
- Justin Wetzell vs. Sarvarjon Khamidov (Bantamweight)
- Gamid Khizriev vs. Lorenzo Parente (Lightweight)
- Shannon Clark vs. Ilara Joanne (Women’s Flyweight)
- Cobey Fehr vs. Daniel Bzdigian (Bantamweight)
Which Fight Could Steal the Show?
The featherweight main event has all the ingredients for Fight of the Night, but fans should also watch Alexandr Shabliy versus Alfie Davis.
Both lightweights are known for technical striking and high-level experience, making it one of the strongest matchups on the card outside the main event.
Meanwhile, Khasan Magomedsharipov’s undefeated record has generated considerable attention, making his bout with Joshua Weems one of the most anticipated contests on the prelims.
How to Watch PFL San Diego
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Venue: Pechanga Arena San Diego
Location: San Diego, California
Early Card: 8:00 PM ET (ESPN+)
Main Card: 10:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
Final Thoughts
PFL San Diego brings together former world champions, seasoned UFC veterans and undefeated prospects on one of the promotion’s strongest cards of the year.
With A.J. McKee attempting to halt the rise of unbeaten Salamat Isbulaev, plus key appearances from Liz Carmouche, Alexandr Shabliy, Rob Wilkinson and Khasan Magomedsharipov, fans can expect an entertaining night of MMA from Southern California.
