Shabliy Returns vs. Landry Ward at PFL Chicago

Alexandr Shabliy will return to action at PFL Chicago on Oct. 16, taking on Landry Ward in a lightweight bout at Wintrust Arena.

The matchup slots Shabliy back into the win column chase after a stretch that included the biggest loss of his recent career. Shabliy (25-4) has dropped just one fight since 2017, and that came against Usman Nurmagomedov, the most recent PFL lightweight champion, snapping a nine-fight win streak. He responded in June with a win over Alfie Davis, and now gets a fresh test in Ward as he tries to string together another run.

Who Is Landry Ward, Shabliy's Next Opponent?

Landry Ward (11-3) enters off a split-decision win over Michael Boylan in his PFL debut on Aug. 7, extending his own streak to three straight victories. Ward is the newer name to PFL's lightweight picture, and this booking gives him an immediate chance to make a statement against a fighter who was a legitimate threat to Usman Nurmagomedov's title reign not long ago.

For Shabliy, this is a measuring-stick fight in a different sense. He's fought at a level few 155-pounders in the promotion have touched, and a clean win over an undefeated-in-PFL Ward would put him right back into lightweight title conversations. A loss, on the other hand, would mean back-to-back defeats for the first time in years and a real reset of expectations.

Card Details for PFL Chicago

PFL Chicago is headlined by the women's flyweight title rematch between Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop, with the card airing Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN. The undercard also features Denis Goltsov (17-1) against Maxwell Djantou Nana (13-2) at heavyweight and Sarvarjon Khamidov (37-9) facing Rafael do Nascimento (9-2) at bantamweight.

Betting Angle

Shabliy's résumé, one loss since 2017 and that coming against the promotion's own lightweight champion, makes him the presumptive favorite heading into a matchup with a fighter making just his second PFL appearance. Ward's split-decision debut showed he can compete, but distinguishing yourself against a veteran of Shabliy's caliber is a different task than beating Michael Boylan. Expect Shabliy to open as the favorite on price alone, with the value question being how much stock bettors put in Ward's recent three-fight run against the step up in level of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alexandr Shabliy fighting next?

Alexandr Shabliy faces Landry Ward in a lightweight bout at PFL Chicago on Oct. 16 at Wintrust Arena.

What is Alexandr Shabliy's record?

Alexandr Shabliy is 25-4 overall and has lost only once since 2017, that loss coming to Usman Nurmagomedov.

Who headlines PFL Chicago on Oct. 16?

PFL Chicago is headlined by the women's flyweight title rematch between Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop, airing on ESPN.