Latest news with #PFLSmartCage
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Trio of Saudi fighters looking to shine at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah
JEDDAH: PFL MENA will begin its second season at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah on May 9 with a trio of fighters from the Kingdom looking to leave their mark in front of the home crowd. When Malik Basahel, Abdulaziz bin Moammar and Ahmed Makki make their respective entrances into the world-famous PFL SmartCage, it will symbolize a different chapter in each of their careers. For Basahel, PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah will mark the beginning of his professional mixed martial arts career. The 23-year-old will be competing in his first pro fight when he takes on Mountasser Boutouta in a Flyweight Showcase bout. 'I'm preparing for my first professional fight after 25 amateur bouts, where I won 21 times,' said Basahel, who has put together an impressive 21-3-1 amateur slate, which includes five wins by KO/TKO and eight wins by submission. While this will not be Basahel's first trip to the PFL SmartCage, it will be arguably his most important, as he makes the jump to the professional ranks in front of a Saudi crowd. 'This motivates me to perform at my best and make a strong entry into the professional scene,' Basahel said. While this will be Basahel's first pro outing, his vast amateur experience has been a huge learning experience, as he details what he needs to do to score his first career win. '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 said. For his training regimen, Basahel says that he sticks to a strict routine and highlights the importance of the right attitude. 'Discipline and consistency are keys to success. You need a structured training schedule — not three days on and two days off. 'Stick to a strict training program for months if you want to succeed in combat sports.' For Abdulaziz bin Moammar, the amateur journey continues, but this time he will be competing on the biggest stage he has ever been on. With a 10-3 record as an amateur, the Saudi native will start the PFL MENA 1 card against Fares Hamdani in an amateur Catchweight contest. 'This tournament in Jeddah will be special, as the city has hosted many major events before,' Moammar said. 'Jeddah is the birthplace of MMA in Saudi Arabia, and its crowd is knowledgeable and passionate.' While still competing as an amateur, Moammar is already making sure that his tools are well-sharpened as he continues down a path that will eventually lead to a promising professional career. 'I'm always working to become more complete — better on the ground and in striking — through experience and sparring with champions,' he said. Whenever he steps inside the cage, Moammar says that he does not just go out there for himself. 'Victory is always my goal because I represent not just myself, but my family, supporters and country. That's a big responsibility,' he said. While PFL MENA 1 may be a starting point for some and a continuation of the journey for others, the card will mark the end of the line for Makki, one of Saudi Arabian MMA's true pioneers. Makki turned pro in 2014 and compiled a 1-3-1 professional record, with appearances under the Desert Force, Phoenix FC and Brave CF promotions. Competing for the first time since 2018, Makki returns for his final bout on the biggest stage of his career. 'I'm one of the first fighters to start this sport in Saudi Arabia and I witnessed how combat sports evolved in The Kingdom,' Makki said. 'I chose to have my final professional fight in my hometown of Jeddah, in front of my people and the Saudi audience.' While Makki's fighting resume may not be as lengthy as the other fighters that have come after him, he is glad that he can include a PFL appearance in his list of accomplishments before calling it a day. 'I'm happy to end my journey in a championship event hosted by my own city,' he said. 'Participating in the PFL in Jeddah is a great addition to my career after competing and succeeding in both international and local events.' For international regional tournaments, one of the PFL's main goals is to be able to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming local talent, giving them a pathway to international glory and success. For Makki, he relishes the opportunity to be one of those passing the torch to the next generation of MMA stars from Saudi Arabia. 'It's time to pass the torch to the new generation,' he said. 'There are many Saudi talents capable of shining on the global stage.'
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Alhyasat to face Bendaoud in featherweight quarterfinal at 2025 PFL MENA
JEDDAH: The 2025 PFL MENA season kicks off on May 9 with Jordan's Abdelrahman Alhyasat facing Taha Bendaoud of Morocco in the quarterfinals of the featherweight tournament at Onyx Arena in Jeddah. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Last season, Alhyasat was a revelation at 145 pounds, picking up impressive wins over Ahmed Tarek and eventual champion Abdullah Al-Qahtani to reach the final round, before being forced to withdraw due to injury. Now back to full health, the 35-year-old is planning to get back to the top of the mountain and claim the title that many fans believe should have been his in the first place. 'This tournament is a pivotal moment in my professional career. It's not just another fight — it's a step toward something much bigger,' Alhyasat said. 'Thanks to God, I'm more than ready for this league. I've worked hard to reach this level, and I believe my skill set is above everyone else in the division.' After last season's dominant win over Al-Qahtani, Alhyasat is coming into the new season with a lot of confidence on his side. 'I'm entering the cage with full confidence and a clear goal: to achieve another milestone for Jordan,' he said. For this season, Alhyasat spent time training in Thailand and said that there he sharpened every aspect of his game, working with coaches from every discipline. 'Right now, I'm in Phuket, training with some of the best coaches in the world. I've surrounded myself with specialists in boxing, wrestling, and grappling to make sure no detail is left behind,' Alhyasat said. 'This camp has been the most intense and focused of my career — it's about refining every part of my game so I can perform at my best when it matters most.' But Alhyasat will have his work cut out for him when he takes on a highly rated PFL MENA newcomer in Moroccan Taha Bendaoud. 'Bendaoud is a strong opponent, and I respect his skills,' said Alhyasat. 'He's not far off in level from someone like Abdullah Al-Qahtani. He's got the talent, no doubt.' While Alhyasat has nothing but respect, the Jordanian said that he has faced Bendaoud before and knows exactly what he brings to the table. 'I've faced him before and come out on top. I know where his weaknesses are, and I've trained specifically to exploit them,' Alhyasat said. 'I've prepared a game plan that leaves no room for mistakes.' As for a fight prediction, Alhyasat sees this one being over quickly. 'This fight will end in the first round, God willing. I'm ready to send a message to everyone in the division,' he said. While Bendaoud will be making his PFL MENA debut, this will not be his first time inside the PFL SmartCage. The undefeated Moroccan is 4-0 in his fledgling career, and was initially supposed to be part of the inaugural PFL MENA season, but missed weight for his season debut, and ended up being forced off the tournament altogether. He bounced back in spectacular fashion with a second-round submission win over the more experienced Tariq Ismail at Battle of the Giants in October. The impressive win over the previously undefeated Ismail became sort of an audition for this year's PFL MENA season, and his reward is a quarterfinal bout against the man who dominated the division's champion. With a second chance at becoming a PFL MENA champion, Bendaoud said he is ready for another opportunity. 'I'm having the best fight camp of my life. I've been training twice a day since my last fight, and I feel like I've evolved in every part of my game. I'm excited to step in there and show the PFL fans what I've been working on.' Bendaoud added that the missed opportunity in Season 1 was a big learning experience. 'In Season 1, I wasn't in shape and I couldn't make weight. I missed a big opportunity, but it taught me a lot,' he said. 'Since then, I've been working really hard to be at my best. I'm on weight and more focused than ever.' Against Alhyasat, Bendaoud admitted that he will be sharing the SmartCage with a tough opponent. '(Alhyasat) is a solid, well-rounded fighter with a lot of experience,' he said. 'I respect his skills and I think it's a great challenge.' But Bendaoud believes that he can hang with Alhyasat, no matter what situation their fight brings. 'I feel confident in every area: striking, grappling, wrestling. I'm prepared for whatever comes and ready to perform at a high level,' Bendaoud said. While Bendaoud is not one for predictions, what he guarantees is that he will give his best and that the fans can expect a great fight. 'I don't like to make predictions, but I can promise this: I'll give my best, fight with heart and confidence, and leave it all in there. The rest is in Allah's hands, He's the best of planners.' 'We're going to put on a great show for the fans,' Bendaoud said.
Gulf Today
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
PFL Mena stars continue to train for new season for amidst Ramadan
With a second season of PFL Mena just around the corner, some of the best stars from the Middle East are gearing up to get back in action inside the PFL SmartCage. For some of the league's top stars however, training for the new season presents some challenges, as it falls during the blessed Ramadan season, which entails fasting. The act of sacrifice, of course, leads to a number of obstacles for athletes who regularly train, including reduced energy, less sleep, and disruption of training routines. PFL Mena Featherweight Champion Abdullah Al Qahtani, PFL Mena Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy, and PFL Mena Women's Atomweight star Hattan Alsaif have all shared their experiences when training during the blessed Ramadan season. 'Yes, I do train during Ramadan. I make sure to get in a solid training session both before and after Iftar while prioritizing recovery,' Qahtani shared. 'Even while fasting, my focus remains on my next fight—I'm constantly preparing. It's not just about technique and conditioning but also about discipline and hard work. Fight camp is all about grinding, and I'm putting in the work,' he continued. Qahtani turned in an impressive first PFL Mena season, capturing the league's inaugural 145-pound championship and cemented his status as Saudi Arabia's biggest MMA star. The 27-year old is now looking forward to Season 2 of PFL Mena and plans on keeping the PFL Mena Featherweight Championship firmly in his grasp. I'm ready for PFL Mena season two. I know every fighter has their eyes on me, like I'm the prey—but I'm not. I'm the hunter. And I will hunt down every opponent,' 'The Reaper' boldly claimed. 'Last season taught me one thing: never give up. Stay focused on your goal and go after it.' While Qahtani comes into the season as the reigning titleholder, it looks like he's got a few names in his crosshairs. 'I'm excited to fight Alhyasat again—I want to smash him,' Qahtani shared. 'I also want to fight Islam Reda and Taha Bendaoud. These three guys—I want them!' From one champion to another, PFL Mena Welterweight king Omar El Dafrawy also continues to keep himself in peak condition, even during Ramadan. 'Of course, I stay in shape during Ramadan,' Dafrawy said. 'I actually have a solid routine. I usually break my fast with something light like dates, and go for my first training session, and then I have my second training session later on at night.' Dafrawy was one of PFL MENA's biggest surprise stories, as he pulled off a massive upset in the Welterweight Finals of season one, taking out title favorite and veteran Jarrah Al-Selawe. Dafrawy further explained what his training sessions are like during Ramadan. 'I have my regular camp schedule, but usually the first session right after Iftar is more about technicality, while the second session is the one that's more intense.' 'I usually have one meal after every workout session, plus I make sure to take my vitamins and supplements as well to maintain my energy output,' he continued. Looking to build off his successful debut PFL Mena season, Dafrawy is excited to see how the second season of PFL Mena will play out. 'I'm excited for PFL Mena 2 and I hope that there can be some exciting storylines like in the first season for my weight class,' he said. 'I'm interested to see what's gonna happen because I know there will be some guys from the previous season that are top contenders to take the belt home this season.' For Saudi Arabian women's MMA trailblazer Hattan, a schedule is necessary when it comes to training during Ramadan. 'Yes, I train. I have a schedule for Ramadan,' she said. 'It's about the camp, not the time, so I do what needs to be done.' 2024 was a massive year for Alsaif as she made a successful PFL debut after making history as the first Saudi Arabian woman to sign with a major MMA promotion. In three appearances inside the PFL SmartCage, Hattan is 3-0 as an amateur, with all of her wins coming by second-round stoppage. Alsaif says that she likes to cook during Ramadan so that she has control of what she gets to eat. 'I love to cook my own meals during Ramadan so that I can pick them carefully.'
Arab News
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Pouya Rahmani proud to represent UAE in upcoming PFL World Tournament
DUBAI: Pouya Rahmani will have the biggest opportunity of his young mixed martial arts career when he joins the heavyweight division of the 2025 PFL World Tournament later this year. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The jiu-jitsu fighter is 4-0 in MMA, and will be looking to extend his winning streak in 2025. 'After my last fight, my manager asked me what I wanted. He offered to give me an opportunity to fight for the second-biggest MMA organization in the world, and I'm happy to fight in the tournament,' Pouya, 32, said. 'They have the best fighters in the world, and they're all fighting for the title. This title, for me, is very important, and when I get that title, I'm going to have a much bigger goal. 'I'm going to challenge people from there, but until that happens, I just want to push myself to become PFL champion.' Pouya says he will be representing UAE proudly when he steps inside the PFL SmartCage. 'I'm going to represent where I live now, the UAE. For four years I've lived here, and I'm so happy because everything I have achieved in MMA, I started in the UAE, and I'm going to represent that in the PFL,' the Iran-born fighter explained. 'It's going to be my honor to represent this beautiful country. They're open for everyone, and they give us the opportunity to train hard, push ourselves to the limit, and train with the best so that we have the opportunity to fight in the best organizations. I'm happy to be competing for them.' A decorated amateur grappler with titles at the World Beach Games and the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit in Gi and No-Gi tournaments, it is clear that Rahmani will be looking to take his opponents down. 'I'm the best grappler in the whole MMA community,' said Pouya. 'No MMA fighter can do what I can do in grappling. I became world champion in grappling. 'No one can do the same thing as me. So it's not just about getting the takedown, but also about how to control the guy. You can see a lot of people can take people down, (but) their opponents stand back up, you know.' All of Rahmani's wins have come by way of stoppage. Most recently, he won by first-round submission under the Absolute Championship Akhmat banner. 'In my last four fights, when I take someone down, it's over. No one can move under me. It's not because of magic or because of power, it's because I train a lot for that,' Pouya said. 'I spend a lot of my time every day, learning to be the best grappler in the world. It's not just about wrestling, it's about learning jiu jitsu, learning control, so I can be dangerous in any position,' he added. There is no doubt the 1.87-meter Iranian fighter will be a handful for the rest of the heavyweight field at the inaugural PFL World Tournament. The 2025 PFL World Tournament will feature 64 fighters competing in eight weight divisions, with $500,000 at stake. The tournament begins in April, with the first four events of the first round at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, US. The semifinal round is in June, and the finals in August.
