RIYADH: Kuwait’s mixed martial arts fighter Mohammad Alaqraa defeated Egypt’s Ayman Galal by technical knockout in the PFL MENA Welterweight Semifinal Saturday night at The Arena Riyadh, earning his way to a final match with Morocco’s Badreddine Diani.
The fight ended in just 21 seconds after Alaqraa (9-1) landed a powerful kick to the thigh of Galal (4-2), sending the “Maestro” down, apparently injured.
Alaqraa’s victory concluded an action-packed “Champions Collide” fight night featuring Professional Fighters League combatants from the Middle East and North Africa, which also saw Saudi fighter Hattan Alsaif announcing her decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career.
“I knew he’s gonna think I’m gonna grapple and shoot in the beginning,” Alaqraa told Arab News after the fight.
“As a fighter, we try our best to prepare for the fight. We do our best to see how the fight could go, but by the end of the day, it’s all about God and he plans it,” he said.
Alaqraa will next meet Diani, who earlier defeated Lebanon’s Amir Fazli via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2) in a fight marred by a judging controversy earlier in the night. Diani was initially announced as the loser, but the result was corrected to confirm his victory.
In the Lightweight semifinals, Salah Eddine Hamli forced to submission Souhil Tairi in the third round via arm-triangle choke. Hamli will face the undefeated Mohammad Fahmi (6-0), who opened the night by subduing Mohsen Mohammadseifi in the first round.
The Featherweight bracket also shaped up as Islam Reda dominated Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision. Reda will face Yanis Ghemmouri, who earned his semifinal victory over Izzeddine Al Derbani by unanimous decision.
In Bantamweight action, Islam Youssef defeated veteran Xavier Alaoui by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) to advance to the final against Nawras Abzakh, who beat Moktar Benkaci via unanimous decision.
Saudi rising star Malik Basahel remained unbeaten, crushing Ahmed Mostafa with a second-round rear-naked choke. Meanwhile, Hassan Ahmed Moustafa edged Abdulaziz Bin Moammar in a split-decision amateur showcase.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, Hattan Alsaif announced she will make her professional debut on Dec. 5 after a perfect 4-0 amateur career.
Hattan Alsaif made history when she became the first female from Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with a major MMA promoter – the PFL, now backed by Saudi’s public investment fund. (Instagram photo)
Reflecting on her journey, Alsaif told Arab News: “This type of sports are new to us. It’s true for, but Saudi people are really strong, they have really strong hearts, and they are brave.” Her announcement marks a milestone moment for women’s MMA in the Kingdom.
The “Champions Collide” event highlighted Riyadh’s growing status as a premier global destination for combat sports. Fighters from across the region left it all inside the cage as they chased glory and a shot at the inaugural PFL MENA crowns.
