5 Defining Moments: Valentin Moldavsky

The Professional Fighters League kicks off its year with PFL 1: 2024 Regular Season, which goes down on April 4 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. The PFL regular season embodies an authentic sports-season format, wherein distinguished combatants engage in regular season trials, followed by the playoffs, culminating in the coveted championship bouts. The victor in each of the divisions is awarded a $1 million prize for the crowning moment. The first event for the season will be headlined by 2022 PFL champion Ante Delija and Bellator MMA former interim heavyweight champion Valentin Moldavsky.

Moldavsky undeniably reigns supreme as one of Bellator’s most imposing figures, consistently making his presence felt with authority. As a two-time world and one-time European sambo champion in the +100 kg division, his command over ground combat is renowned, setting the stage for yet another compelling display in the forthcoming contest. Ahead of that, let’s take a look at the five defining moments of his career.

Dominant Start and Submission Symphony

Following a successful 7-1 amateur run that included a loss to current UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev, Moldavsky made his professional debut in February 2015 against Karen -Karapetyan-145803">Karen Karapetyan at Professional Combat Sambo: Eurasian Economic Union. He won the fight via armbar submission in the first round. The solid performance continued unabated, culminating in two more submission triumphs over Yuta Uchida and Daniel Doerrer.

Asserting Presence and Seizing the Spotlight

Having compiled a commendable 5-1 record, Moldavsky went on to compete under the Bellator banner, making his debut against Carl Seumanutafa. The bout that transpired at Bellator 181 witnessed the Fedorteam prospect announcing his arrival with power and purpose, en route to a 30–26, 30–26, 30–27 unanimous decision victory.

Fortifying a Dominant Debut

The Bellator stage became fertile ground for the 32-year-old following the debut victory. Fueled by the initial triumph, he embarked on a relentless pursuit, clinching four consecutive wins to complement his stellar debut, thereby cementing his status as a rising star within the promotion. Starting with a TKO win over Ernest James at Bellator 202, Moldavsky notched three unanimous decision wins over Linton Vassell, Javy Ayala and Roy Nelson.

Echoes of Legacy

Fresh from his victory over Nelson at Bellator 244, Moldavsky actively participated in the World Sambo Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia. His endeavor proved fruitful as he secured the gold medal in the +100 kg category, defeating Razmik Tonoian of Ukraine. Moldavsky victory helped Russia top the table with a staggering 17 gold medals out of 25 total, while Belarus, with three gold medals, occupied the second spot.

A Regal Addition

In the headline bout of Bellator 261, seasoned Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Timothy Johnson faced off against Moldavsky for the interim Bellator heavyweight throne. The Russian laid claim to the crown with a unanimous decision win, punctuated by scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. Employing a blend of speed and athleticism, the 32-year-old outperformed his American counterpart through five rounds. The shutout performance landed him the opportunity to fight for undisputed gold against Ryan Bader at Bellator 273. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to replicate the dominant display despite a resilient effort that saw him overturn the damage endured in the first round. In the championship rounds, Bader mounted a stirring comeback, executing multiple takedowns while effectively thwarting Moldavsky’s advances with a barrage of short elbows in the fifth.