Rafael do Nascimento prepares for fight against Sarvarjon Khamidov at PFL Chicago
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 4:37 AM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026
Rafael do Nascimento is set to face Sarvarjon Khamidov at PFL Chicago on October 16. The fight will be held at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, with do Nascimento coming off a victory in his PFL debut against Lewis McGrillen-Evans. His journey to mixed martial arts included years working as a diver in Brazil's gold mining industry, and he trains at California Mixed Martial Arts. Do Nascimento has expressed confidence heading into the match, despite concerns about Khamidov's past conduct regarding weight and substance use.
- •Do Nascimento trains with MMA fighters at California Mixed Martial Arts.
- •He previously earned a win in his PFL debut via submission.
- •Khamidov has a reported history of weight issues and failed doping tests.
- •The fight is part of PFL's ongoing season structure.
- 4:37 AMYahoo Sports — From diving for gold to fighting for PFL gold: Rafael do Nascimento
"Rafael do Nascimento spent years diving for gold to finance his pursuit of mixed martial arts glory. It wasn’t an easy road, but the 34-year-old Brazilian never wavered.
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