Behind the Fight: Firmino Tells How Arab Champions Are Made

Asharq Al-Awsat

03-07-2025

By: Lulwah Alangari
From the heart of the vibrant combat sports scene in the Middle East, the spotlight does not shine solely on those who step into the cage — it also illuminates the quiet figures behind the curtain who discover, nurture, and build champions carrying their nations' dreams to the world stage.
At the forefront of these figures stands Brazilian Gustavo Firmino, Vice President of Fighter Affairs and Matchmaker at the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a man who has dedicated his life to finding Arab talent and guiding them from amateur arenas to the heights of international professionalism.
Firmino's journey began in Bahrain when he joined BRAVE Combat Federation to manage events and special MMA projects, later coordinating fights and overseeing athlete relations. He recalled those beginnings with a wide smile in his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, saying he would always be grateful to Mr. Mohammed Shahin and Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for trusting him to start this path.
When he later moved to PFL MENA, he found himself facing an even more ambitious project. Building a regional league directly connected to global championships was not just a job — 'it was a beautiful dream we're realizing every day,' he said. 'We're not just creating fights; we're drawing long journeys for Arab talents to reach the world stage.'
Despite years behind a desk, his genuine passion for martial arts flows like a lifeline through his words. He speaks enthusiastically about his childhood filled with Bruce Lee movies, which later led him to practice judo, then jiu-jitsu in Brazil, and even boxing and Muay Thai in Indonesia. Laughing, he says: 'This isn't just a job... it's who I am.'
When asked about his criteria for selecting fighters, Firmino confidently explained that skill alone is not enough — he looks for discipline, hunger, and a story worth telling. This is what makes him a true talent scout, picking hidden stories from dozens of names and turning them into shining stars in the ring. He proudly recounted the story of Egyptian fighter Mohamed Fahmy, who had competed in small tournaments with barely any recorded footage. Yet his background in judo, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling convinced Firmino of his potential. He signed him for the lightweight tournament — and Fahmy defeated the world runner-up in his debut last year. 'Those moments are priceless,' Firmino said, shaking his head in admiration.
He also noted that he sometimes spots unknown champions through social media and keeps an eye on Arabs making their mark abroad, such as Morocco's Salahdine Hamli, who rose in Spain and this year reached the lightweight semi-final against Algeria's Souhil Tahiri.
When the conversation turned to challenges, particularly sudden withdrawals due to injuries or emergencies, Firmino didn't hesitate to say the path is not always smooth. 'Sometimes a fighter pulls out a week before the fight — or even days before. Luckily, our region is rich with fighters ready to seize the opportunity.' He cited an example when Abdullah Al-Qahtani withdrew due to injury, and his replacement also had to step down for family reasons. In the end, Algerian Akram Nersi stepped up at the last moment and delivered an impressive performance despite his lack of experience. With a glowing smile, Firmino added: 'That's the Arab fighter's heart that amazes me.'
Firmino acknowledged that combat sports infrastructure is not yet equal across the Arab world. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Lebanon have made significant strides, while other countries are still at the beginning. But he insists the growth is remarkable and the outlook promising.
For young people aspiring to enter the sport, his advice is clear: start at a professional gym, build a strong amateur career, and then sign with a manager who can guide them properly.
When asked to name fighters he is particularly proud of, Firmino instantly mentioned Egyptian Omar El Dafrawy, who turned his career from a series of losses to becoming a welterweight champion; Iranian Mohsen Mohammadseifi, whom he followed from BRAVE until he became PFL's lightweight champion in 2024; and Saudi Arabia's Hattan Alsaif, the first Saudi female fighter under the PFL banner.
Speaking of her with notable admiration, he said: 'She's not just a pioneer — she has a winner's mentality. It's not enough for her to be the first; she wants to be the best. I'm confident she'll inspire many Saudi women... just watch what's coming.'
He continued to speak passionately about the new wave of Saudi fighters, describing them as having 'a different mindset.' They don't compete just to participate, but to win and raise their country's flag. He spoke with pride of Malik Basahl, who shone in his professional debut, and Abdulaziz Bin Moammar, who showed impressive skill even in his amateur debut. He concluded with a special mention of Abdullah Al-Qahtani, who became PFL MENA's first featherweight champion in 2024.
When asked about his expectations for the next season, he laughed: 'It's impossible to predict... every fight can change everything, and that's what makes this league truly exciting.' But he was more certain when talking about the future of Arabs in the sport, confidently asserting that the Arab region will produce world champions in combat sports within a few years — especially with focused programs to discover amateur talent and guide them to professionalism.
He ended the interview with a decisive look that reflected his deep belief: "This is just the beginning... the future is ours."