PFL MENA 2 Reaction: A Young Star Emerges

The second event under the Professional Fighters League’s MENA banner took place this past weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and elite talent from the Middle East was on display.

Four fighters in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions punched their tickets to the PFL MENA playoffs, and in a showcase bout, Hattan Alsaif continued her meteoric rise with another breath-taking performance.

Welterweight Playoffs Set

Updated #PFLMENA welterweight bracket pic.twitter.com/ONR3dAhjUf

— Sherdog (@sherdogdotcom) July 12, 2024

The PFL MENA welterweight playoffs are finalized and there are definitely fan-friendly matchups in the semi-finals.

Omar El Dafrawy said he plans to be the new face of the fight game and his performance at PFL MENA 2 showcased what he’s capable of. Winning by unanimous decision against Anthony Zeidan, El Dafrawy didn’t just look like he was in control; he was dominantly aggressive throughout. Recently committing to fighting full-time and removing all distractions and other work from his life, he will look to continue his path to PFL MENA gold against Jarrah Al-Silawi.

Al-Silawi had a hectic fight week which saw an opponent change, but still, he was able to secure his spot in the playoffs. Making sure to showcase the level between him and his opponent, Al-Silawi locked up a postseason berth with a first-round submission victory.

Leading into PFL MENA 2, Mohammad Alaqraa was determined to show that he was the best fighter in the Middle East. In a back-and-forth early affair, Alarqaa made his case by picking up a third-round TKO victory over previously undefeated Youcef Ouabbas. The victory moved Alaqraa to 6-0 and he now has a playoff matchup against Badreddine Diani.

With confidence and a TKO performance to his credit, Alaqraa is just scratching the surface of his potential and could be a star in the making under the PFL MENA banner.

Lightweight Playoffs Slots Secured

Updated #PFLMENA lightweight bracket: pic.twitter.com/8lnv0AnAPh

— Sherdog (@sherdogdotcom) July 12, 2024

It’ll be a battle of veterans in one matchup of the lightweight playoffs, as Mohsen Mohammadseifi picked up a first-round TKO to seal his playoff berth against Souhil Tahiri, who won by unanimous decision.

There may not have been anyone more impressive at lightweight than Abdullah Saleem. He came out in the first round with an aggressive style and made a short night of work as he locked up a first-round triangle submission in the opening 90 seconds.

His upcoming playoff opponent will be Georges Eid, who went the distance to get a victory over Abbas Khan.

The lightweight playoff bracket will pit battle-tested veterans Mohammadseifi and Tahiri against each other, while two fighters with less experience complete the other half of the field.

A Star is Born

Hattan Alsaif had the crowd on their feet with this push kick 👀#PFLMENA | LIVE NOW on MBC Action pic.twitter.com/awACDGF6sm

— PFL MENA (@PFLMENA) July 12, 2024

Most would say it’s tough to follow a viral head-kick knockout in your first fight as an amateur, but Alsaif was just as impressive in her second showing. The first Saudi woman ever signed to a global mixed martial arts contract has yet to enter her professional career and has had two attention-grabbing performances.

After a stunning teeth-chattering knockout in her debut, Alsaif came in with high expectations and she passed with flying colors.

The word dominance would be an understatement as Alsaif’s relentless aggression, pressure and striking led to the fight being called in-between rounds. Alsaif’s opponent did not answer the bell heading into the third frame, improving her to 2-0 as an amateur and firmly establishing herself as a name to watch in the PFL.

As the second event of the PFL MENA league concluded, all playoff matchups were set. Plenty of talent was on display to showcase PFL’s global flavor, and it’s clear there are young stars in the making.

Finding talent outside of the United States is a skill that PFL has not only taken pride in, but excelled at. There’s no better example than Dakota Ditcheva winning PFL Europe in 2023 and then becoming a household name in her first season on the global roster in 2024. If there’s anyone who can follow the lead of Ditcheva, it is Alsaif, and she’d be inspiring women around the world, specifically in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

And that is the exact purpose that PFL MENA was created for.