logo
PFL MENA Season 2 kicks off in Jeddah

PFL MENA Season 2 kicks off in Jeddah

Daily Tribune06-05-2025

TDT | Manama
Bahrain's Abbas Khan faces Moroccan striker Salah Hamli in lightweight showdown as regional MMA spotlight returns to Saudi Arabia
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) MENA is back — and it's coming in strong. This Friday night, the Onyx Arena in Jeddah will play host to the opening night of Season 2, with a stacked fight card featuring some of the best MMA fighters from across the Middle East and North Africa.
All eyes will be on the main event, where reigning lightweight champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi of Iran puts his title on the line against Egypt's fast-rising contender Ahmed El-Sisy. It's a clash of styles and momentum — and a fight that could headline any stage.
Also in the spotlight is Bahrain's Abbas Khan, who steps into the cage against Moroccan striker Salah Eddine Hamli in a mouth-watering lightweight bout that's expected to be full of action. Khan will be aiming to make a statement in front of a regional crowd hungry for a local hero.
Elsewhere on the card, Lebanon's Georges Eid faces off with Iraq's Mohammad Fahmi, and Algeria's Souhil Tahiri takes on Kuwait's Abdullah Saleem, who returns after a suspension.
The featherweights are just as exciting, with Jordan's Abdelrahman Alhyasat looking to extend his win streak against undefeated Moroccan Taha Bendaoud. Other big matchups include Jordan's Izzeddine Al-Derbani vs. Algeria's Mohamed Amine, and Iraq's Hussein Salem vs. Egypt's Assem Ghanem.
There's also a debut to watch: Saudi Arabia's Abdulaziz bin Moammar will make his first appearance in a catchweight exhibition bout against Morocco's Fares Hamdani.
And don't miss the women's featherweight clash between Kuwait's undefeated Eman Almudhaf and Brazil's Shamara Braga — a matchup that could steal the show.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Egypt Dominate Bahrain in Opening Friendly
Egypt Dominate Bahrain in Opening Friendly

Daily Tribune

timea day ago

  • Daily Tribune

Egypt Dominate Bahrain in Opening Friendly

TDT | Manama Mixed Signals in Cairo Bahrain's men's volleyball team opened their training camp in Egypt with a 4–0 defeat to the hosts in a friendly match at the Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo. The straight-sets loss (25–23, 25–20, 25–18, 25–23) was a challenging start to the side's preparations for the upcoming Asian Men's Volleyball Championship. Though Egypt took control of most sets, Bahrain showed signs of resistance, particularly in the tightly contested first and fourth. Ultimately, the home side's match fitness and home advantage gave them the edge. Setbacks Serve a Purpose The match was the first in a series of tune-ups during Bahrain's training camp, which runs through 12 June. The trip forms a key part of the team's lead-up to the continental tournament, set to be hosted in Bahrain from 17 to 24 June. For Bahrain's coaching staff, this early test provides a reference point. Serve reception, defensive transitions, and match tempo are areas likely to receive focus in the days ahead. Egypt's Edge With their domestic season recently concluded, Egypt looked more polished across key phases. Their consistency and physical presence were evident, especially in the middle sets where they pulled away with minimal resistance. Still, Bahrain's competitiveness in the tighter sets showed the potential for progress. A handful of errors late in the opening and closing sets proved decisive. Focus on Asian Cup More friendlies are expected in the coming days, offering Bahrain a chance to recalibrate. These matches will help fine-tune combinations and build cohesion before the squad returns home for the final phase of preparations. While the result in Cairo wasn't ideal, it came with timing that allows for correction. With the Asian Championship on home soil just weeks away, Bahrain now has a clearer sense of the standard required, and time to meet it.

Royal Backing, Rising Expectations
Royal Backing, Rising Expectations

Daily Tribune

timea day ago

  • Daily Tribune

Royal Backing, Rising Expectations

TDT | Manama Bahrain steps up preparations for hosting the Asian Youth Games for the first time Final Push in Motion Bahrain's preparations for the 3rd Asian Youth Games are entering their final stages, as the Kingdom gets ready to welcome the continent's future stars this October. The event, scheduled from 22 to 31 October 2025, will be the first time the Games are held in Bahrain, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The fourth meeting of the Supreme Organising Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, reviewed progress made across the board, as the nation moves closer to delivering one of the biggest multi-sport events ever hosted on its soil. All Systems Go During the meeting, Shaikh Khalid was briefed on the latest updates from the Executive Committee. A detailed report highlighted the achievements and preparations completed by the working teams, from venue readiness and equipment procurement to logistical frameworks and sport-specific planning. The readiness of competition sites and related facilities remains a central focus, with an emphasis on meeting international standards and ensuring seamless athlete and spectator experiences. Foreign Ministry's Role The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented its plan to help bolster international participation. Through diplomatic channels and government coordination, the ministry aims to support outreach and foster broader engagement from across Asia. Shared Responsibility and Confidence Shaikh Khalid reaffirmed the significance of royal patronage and called for intensified efforts in the lead-up to the Games. While acknowledging the time constraints, he stressed confidence in Bahrain's capabilities, from its people to its infrastructure, to deliver an unforgettable event.

Ronaldo Rolls Back Years, Portugal Stun Germany
Ronaldo Rolls Back Years, Portugal Stun Germany

Daily Tribune

timea day ago

  • Daily Tribune

Ronaldo Rolls Back Years, Portugal Stun Germany

TDT | Manama The 40-year-old scores again as Portugal reach the Nations League final for the second time. Portugal Break Longstanding German Hoodoo Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet another decisive moment on Wednesday night, scoring the winner in Portugal's 2-1 comeback victory over Germany to book a place in the UEFA Nations League final. His 137th international goal came five minutes after Francisco Conceição's equaliser, completing a dramatic turnaround in Munich. The result marks Portugal's first win over Germany in 24 years, the last coming at Euro 2000 — a game remembered for a Sergio Conceição hat-trick. On this occasion, it was Sergio's son Francisco who played a key role, highlighting the symbolic passing of a generational baton. Portugal will now face either Spain or France in Sunday's final, aiming to reclaim the title they won in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2019. Costa the Early Hero Germany had the better of the first half, pressing high and creating chances, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa stood firm. The Porto shot-stopper was in inspired form, making key early saves from Leon Goretzka and Nick Woltemade before denying Goretzka again with a sharp low stop. Despite their dominance, Germany couldn't find a breakthrough before half-time — largely thanks to Costa's quick reflexes and assured positioning. Second Half Sparks Into Life Germany took a deserved lead in the 48th minute, Florian Wirtz nodding in from close range after a clever lofted assist from Joshua Kimmich. But the goal seemed to awaken Portugal, and Roberto Martínez's side gradually imposed themselves. Conceição, introduced from the bench, levelled the match in the 63rd minute, arriving at the far post to turn in a low cross. Then, with the German defence momentarily disorganised, Nuno Mendes burst forward and found Ronaldo for a simple tap-in — a typically clinical finish from the Portugal captain. Ronaldo's Longevity, Portugal's Composure Ronaldo's decisive goal underscored not only his longevity but his continued value in high-stakes fixtures. While he now plays a reduced club role, his instincts and leadership remain sharp at international level. The 40-year-old celebrated with his teammates as Portugal completed a landmark win — their first over Germany this century. Head coach Roberto Martínez praised both the tactical application and mental resilience of his squad. 'Tactically we were exceptional and our commitment helped... it was a team victory,' he said. Germany Left to Reflect For Germany, the loss was a blow on what should have been a milestone evening for captain Joshua Kimmich, earning his 100th cap. After a bright start and a 1-0 lead, the hosts faded as Portugal gained control. Karim Adeyemi struck the post late on, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen had to make two sharp saves to prevent a third. Kimmich didn't hold back in his assessment. 'The defeat is absolutely deserved... If we're not at 100%, we can't beat a top European team,' he said post-match. Main Takeaways Did you know?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store