Latest news with #AbdulazizBinMoammar
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘This is My City': Fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar eyes success in front of hometown fans in Riyadh
RIYADH: When Abdulaziz bin Moammar steps inside the world-famous Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4, it will not be just another fight for him. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The amateur standout will be competing in front of a hometown crowd for the first time and he is looking forward to the landmark experience. 'Fighting in Riyadh isn't just another bout, it's a responsibility,' he said of his clash with Hassan Ahmed of Egypt at the Green Halls. 'This is my city, this is where I grew up, and my real fans are here.' Bin Moammar expects to feed off the unique energy that will be generated by that hometown crowd on fight night. 'Competing in front of (local fans) gives me a different kind of energy, so there's no room for hesitation or retreat,' he added. A dangerous grappler with a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and combat sambo, the fighter used his elite ground game to emerge victorious against Fares Hamdani from Algeria at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah in May. It marked a successful start to his amateur MMA career, and he said the debut win helped boost his confidence and determination. 'That fight in Jeddah was an important first step,' bin Moammar said. 'It gave me confidence. The win sparked a deep drive in me to continue.' With his maiden PFL win in the books he is now looking ahead to another tough test, his showdown on Friday with the dangerous Ahmed, who has a 3-1 amateur record. 'Now, in Riyadh, the challenge is bigger and the expectations are higher,' bin Moammar said. He revealed that to ensure he is at his fighting peak, he has had to make some difficult sacrifices for his training regimen. 'I'm in an intense local training camp in Riyadh, fully dedicating my time to preparation,' he said. 'It's kept me away from my family and it hasn't been easy, but I believe that every sacrifice I make today will pay off tomorrow. The camp is physically and mentally exhausting but I'm determined to show the best version of myself in the SmartCage.' When the bout begins on fight night, bin Moammar guaranteed that he will be fighting backed by the strength of all the young fighters in the Kingdom with dreams of making it big one day on the global stage. 'I promise to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi who dreams of excelling in this sport,' he said. 'The journey is long and going professional is no easy task but I'm ready to go all the way. Your support is my greatest weapon.' Tickets for PFL MENA 2 are available now at
Arab News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Abdulaziz bin Moammar promises ‘to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi' at PFL MENA Showdown
RIAYDH: Saudi fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar continues his preparations for his second bout in the Professional Fighters League – Middle East and North Africa, scheduled for July 4 in Riyadh. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The event is part of a major promotion organized by the PFL, featuring a strong lineup of top regional fighters — a large crowd is expected. Bin Moammar said returning to fight in Riyadh is a pivotal moment in his career: 'Fighting in Riyadh isn't just another match — it's a responsibility. This is my city, where I grew up. My real fans are here. Fighting in front of them gives me a different kind of energy. There's no room for complacency or backing down.' He said that his connection to combat sports began long before joining the PFL, but his debut with the organization significantly expanded his visibility and fan base. 'I had a decent following before joining, but after my first fight in Jeddah, I felt a real surge in engagement. People started to recognize me more, follow me, and anticipate my next fights,' the Saudi fighter said. The fight in Jeddah was an important first step for Bon Moammar who said: 'It gave me confidence, and winning lit a fire inside me to keep going. But now in Riyadh, the challenge is bigger, and expectations are higher.' Discussing his current training, the fighter revealed that he is in the middle of an intense local training camp in Riyadh, dedicating nearly all his time to preparation. 'Full focus on training has kept me away from my family, but I believe every moment of sacrifice now will pay off later. The camp is physically and mentally exhausting, but I'm determined to bring the best version of myself into the cage,' he said. He further promised his fans 'to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi who dreams of excelling in this sport.' Bin Moammar knows the road is long and that professionalism is not easy but said: 'I'm ready to walk it to the end. Your support is my greatest weapon.'
Al Arabiya
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
PFL MENA 2 in Jeddah: Fighters ready for combat in Saudi Arabia's ‘birthplace of MMA'
Three Saudi Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters are ready to take the ring as Season 2 of PFL MENA kicks off on May 9 in Jeddah – the 'birthplace of MMA' in the Kingdom. The highly-anticipated event, held in partnership with Jeddah Season, will take place at Jeddah's Onyx Arena. After conquering the Saudi Games 2024 and collecting titles across boxing, sambo, and sanda, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar will return to the cage in his hometown for his PFL debut. 'Jeddah is the birthplace of MMA in Saudi Arabia, and its crowd is knowledgeable and passionate. This tournament in Jeddah will be special, as the city has hosted many major events before,' he told Al Arabiya English. Meanwhile, Saudi MMA pioneer Ahmed Makki is set to step into the ring for one final time. He said that ending his professional career in Jeddah – his hometown – only felt right. 'I chose to have my final professional fight in my hometown, Jeddah, in front of my people and the Saudi audience. Participating in PFL in Jeddah is a great addition to my career after competing and succeeding in both international and local events,' he told Al Arabiya English. 'I'm happy to end my journey in a championship hosted by my own city. It's time to pass the torch to the new generation—there are many Saudi talents capable of shining on the global stage,' he added. With an IMMAF World Silver Medal and 21 amateur wins (13 finishes), Saudi Arabia's Malik Basahel will bring championship pedigree to his professional debut. 'I'm preparing for my first professional fight after 25 amateur bouts, where I won 21 times. This motivates me to perform at my best and enter the professional scene with strength,' he said. 'Every fighter has a different style, but the most important thing is inner focus and the ability to react instantly to the opponent's moves,' he emphasized. Following a successful inaugural season in 2024, the second edition of PFL MENA aims to further expand MMA in the Middle East by highlighting local talent and providing regional fighters a clear pathway to international recognition and success, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) said in a statement shared with Al Arabiya English. Speaking to Al Arabiya English recently, PFL MENA's General Manager Jerome Mazet said: 'Jeddah Season's trust in PFL is a testament to the incredible success of PFL MENA Season 1 and the growing impact of our league in the region.' The event will be available for viewing on STARZPLAY, following PFL's multi-year partnership with the leading subscription video-on-demand service in the Middle East and North Africa region.
