Latest news with #PFLMENA
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Finishes galore: Check out all of the wild stoppages from PFL MENA and 2025 PFL Europe 2
PFL hosted a pair of events this past weekend filled with sensational knockouts and submissions, including a Knockout of the Year candidate. Friday, 2025 PFL MENA 2 took place at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 11-fight event saw seven stoppages, consisting of five KO/TKOs and two submissions. Perhaps the most impressive among the bunch was a flying knee knockout from Islam Youssef. Saturday, 2025 PFL Europe 2 took place at ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium. The 16-fight event saw a total of 10 stoppages, splitting evenly between KO/TKOs and submissions. The highlight of the night, and perhaps the year, was a spinning back elbow knockout from Gustavo Oliveira, but there was also a Von Flue choke and an Ezekiel choke that wowed the crowd, too. The main event fights of both cards produced spectacular finishes as well, with Omar El Dafrawy submitting Daniele Miceli at PFL MENA and Patrick Habirora knocking out Danny Roberts at PFL Brussels. If you missed the events, you can check out each finish from both cards below. PFL MENA: Abdalrahman Alhyasat submits Anthony Zeidan Abdalrahman Alhyasat def. Anthony Zeidan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:50 PFL MENA: Islam Youssef knocks out Benyamin Ghahreman Islam Youssef def. Benyamin Ghahreman via knockout (flying knee) – Round 2, 3:55 PFL MENA: Nawras Abzakh knocks out Ali Yazbeck Nawras Abzakh def. Ali Yazbeck via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:50 PFL MENA: Amir Fazli knocks out Rostem Akman Amir Fazli def. Rostem Akman via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 1:34 PFL MENA: Moktar Benkaci stops Marcel Adur Moktar Benkaci def. Marcel Adur via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:57 PFL MENA: Hattan Alsaif TKOs Nour Al Fliti Hattan Alsaif def. Nour Al Fliti via TKO (injury) – Round 2, 2:24 PFL MENA main event: Omar El Dafrawy submits Daniele Miceli Omar El Dafrawy def. Daniele Miceli via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 1:15 PFL Brussels: Salvo Giudice submits Brice Belghazi Salvo Giudice def. Brice Belghazi via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:14 PFL Brussels: Levi Batchelor submits Fahdi Khaled Levi Batchelor def. Fahdi Khaled via submission (Ezekiel choke) – Round 3, 4:34 PFL Brussels: Adam Meskini finishes Tiziano Ferranti Adam Meskini def. Tiziano Ferranti via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:56 PFL Brussels: Paulina Wisniewska taps Jessica Cunha Paulina Wisniewska def. Jessica Cunha via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:12 PFL Brussels: Jan Cieplowski knocks out Julien Pierre Lopez Jan Cieplowski def. Julien Pierre Lopez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:43 PFL Brussels: Gustavo Oliveira's Knockout of the Year contendter of Anas Azizoun Gustavo Oliveira def. Anas Azizoun via knockout (spinning back elbow) – Round 1, 3:25 PFL Brussels: Movsar Ibragimov taps Gerardo Fanny Movsar Ibragimov def. Gerardo Fanny via submission (Von Flue choke) – Round 2, 1:42 PFL Brussels: Boris Mbarga Atangana stops Bruno Santos Boris Mbarga Atangana def. Bruno Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:56 PFL Brussels: Gaetano Pirrello submits Salvatore Liga Gaetano Pirrello def. Salvatore Liga via submission (D'arce choke) – Round 1, 3:22 PFL Brussels main event: Patrick Habirora knocks out Danny Roberts Patrick Habirora def. Danny Roberts via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:32
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
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills. Al-Saif said: 'I don't care who I'm facing — I'm ready for anyone.' She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication. 'Winning doesn't happen by chance — it's a result of continuous hard work and commitment,' she said. 'I'm prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.' When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: 'I don't pay attention to outdated opinions. I'm doing what I love and chasing my goal.' Fleyti said: 'I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.' She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity. 'I respect Hattan as a fighter,' she said, adding: 'But she'll be facing me — and I'm stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.' Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: 'Expect a fun fight. I don't find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.' A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off. With Al-Saif's unwavering confidence and Fleyti's bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage? The answer awaits on July 4.
Arab News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League on Wednesday announced the full card for PFL MENA 2, to be held at Riyadh's Green Halls arena on Friday, July 4. In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omar 'God First' El-Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to the city of his title win to face 2024 PFL Europe welterweight finalist Daniele 'The Cyborg' Miceli (13-6-0) in the SmartCage. The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Kuwaiti Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestinian Omar '187' Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year's finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene. In a highly anticipated bantamweight quarterfinal bout, Algeria's Mokthar 'Le Kabyle' Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon's Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night. Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is likely to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al-Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist. Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will represent the Kingdom in a catchweight 160 pound showcase amateur bout against Egypt's Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).
Arab News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘More than I imagined': Saudi's Ahmed Makki, Malik Basahel bask in impressive PFL MENA wins at home
JEDDAH: The second season of PFL MENA got off to an exciting start at the weekend with wins for local favorites, and fighters in the featherweight and lightweight divisions advancing to the playoffs. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport In the main event at the Onyx Arena, 2024 PFL lightweight champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi of Iran beat Egypt's Ahmed El-Sisy by unanimous decision to advance to the semifinals. Mohammadseifi leaned on his striking in the early rounds before shifting gears and showcasing his grappling in the final frame to seal the victory. In the co-main event, PFL MENA newcomer Salah Eddine Hamli of Morocco clinched a spot in the lightweight semifinals with a slick third-round submission victory over Bahrain's Abbas Khan. Taha Bendaoud of Morocco needed just over two minutes to put away Boualem Drissi of Algeria by submission and secure his spot in the featherweight semifinals. Malik Basahel of Saudi Arabia made a statement in his professional debut, scoring a second-round TKO win over Algeria's Mountasser Boutouta in a showcase flyweight bout. Basahel said: 'I felt good in there during the fight, I trained hard and well for this fight with my team down at AVT Leeds, so I came in prepared and ready. 'There's not much difference from amateur and pro, just probably the rules set and the extra two minutes in the round but a fight is still just a fight at the end of the day.' He added: 'I'm always going in a fight knowing I'm going to win, even if the first round is not going my way. 'I'm always confident I can turn the fight around if I have to, but for this fight I would say halfway through the first round I figured out the distance and what he wanted to do and managed to overcome that and get the win.' Displaying sharp, well-rounded striking, Basahel picked Boutouta apart with punches, knees and kicks. He sealed the deal in the second round with a perfectly timed knee, followed by a flurry of ground-and-pound to force the stoppage. A commanding performance from bell to bell earned Egypt's Assem Ghanem a spot in the featherweight semifinals, as he smothered Hussein Salem of Iraq over three rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Islam Reda of Egypt punched his way into the featherweight semifinals with a crushing third-round TKO win over Algeria's Akram Nasri. There was no stopping Reda after getting into full mount in the final round, as he unloaded a barrage of punches to get the win. Mohammad Fahmi of Iraq also secured a spot in the lightweight semifinals with a dominant performance, submitting Georges Eid of Lebanon via Anaconda Choke at the 3:12 mark in the first round. In the final fight of his MMA career, Ahmed Makki of Saudi Arabia went out with a bang, as he notched a third-round Heel-Hook submission win over Hasham Elnamer of Egypt in a showcase lightweight bout. 'It was more than I imagined,' Makki said. 'To go out there and perform the way I did, in front of such an incredible crowd, meant everything to me. 'I wanted my last fight to be a statement, not just for myself, but for everyone who's supported me throughout the years. I'm proud that I was able to end my career on a high note.' 'Retirement doesn't mean stepping away from the sport completely,' he added. 'I'm excited to focus on mentoring young talent, possibly coaching, and working on projects that help grow MMA in the region, especially here in Saudi Arabia. 'I'm also diving deeper into social media to connect with fans and share more behind-the-scenes content, as well as doing fight analysis and commentary. It's a new chapter but still rooted in the sport I love.' Souhil Tairi of Algeria also advanced to the lightweight semifinals with a spectacular second-round TKO over Kuwait's Abdullah Saleem. A devastating knee to the body spelled the beginning of the end for Saleem, as Tairi followed up with vicious strikes on the ground to score the win. Eman Almudhaf of Kuwait remained undefeated in her MMA career with a win over Shamara Braga of Brazil in a showcase women's featherweight bout. Almudhaf bucked a slow opening round and put the pressure on Braga in the second and third rounds to earn a split decision victory. In the opening bout of the night, Abdulaziz Al-Moammar of Saudi Arabia beat Fares Hamdani of Algeria in an amateur showcase bout. Al-Moammar was the more aggressive fighter throughout the three-round contest, using his grappling to control the pace en route to a unanimous decision win. The featherweight tournament's co-main event between Jordan's Izzeddine Al-Derbani and Yanis Ghemmouri of Algeria was canceled after Al-Derbani was deemed unable to compete due to medical reasons.
