RIYADH: On Sept. 27, the best fighters in the Middle East will descend on The Arena in Riyadh for “PFL MENA Semifinals: Champions Collide,” featuring bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight bouts.
Before that, however, the fighters representing the Kingdom took time out to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s National Day on Sept. 23.
“On this National Day, I extend my congratulations to the Kingdom and wish peace upon Saudi Arabia,” said Abdullah “The Reaper” Al-Qahtani.
The Kingdom’s biggest MMA star, Al-Qahtani was last season’s inaugural PFL MENA Featherweight Champion.
“I am very proud to represent my country in the PFL and to have become the first-ever Saudi champion in PFL MENA. Being the first from Saudi to hold the belt in 2024 is an achievement that fills me with pride.”
Al-Qahtani also urged fans to support Saudi Arabia fighters Malik Basahel and Abdulaziz bin Moammar. “I will be there to cheer them on, and I encourage everyone to catch them in action.”
Basahel returns to action following his successful professional debut in May. On Saturday he takes on Egypt’s Ahmed “The Ninja” Mostafa.
“I want to congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the National Day. I am proud to be a Saudi fighter and to represent the Kingdom in PFL,” said Basahel.
Basahel added: “Every fighter has his own style, but the secret to victory lies in quick thinking and the ability to make split-second decisions in the cage.
“That’s a huge responsibility because the fighter doesn’t only represent himself, he represents his people and his country.”
Fresh off his MMA debut, bin Moammar returns to action against Hassan Ahmed Moustafa in an Amateur Catchweight Showcase bout.
“Congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on National Day,” bin Moammar said. “I pray for peace upon the Kingdom and wish its leaders continued success.”
Bin Moammar added: “My homeland has taught me determination and strength, and by God’s name, on Sept. 27, I will raise the Saudi flag in victory.
“My only goal is to represent the Kingdom to the very best of my ability.”
