Abdullah Al-Qahtani made history during last year’s global regular season when he became the first PFL fighter from Saudi Arabia, defeating Lamar Brown. Self-described as an aggressive and violent fighter, Al-Qahtani then went on to score a decision over David Zelner and a third-round finish of Edukondala Rao in other showcase action. Al-Qahtani then defeated Yazeed Hasanain at PFL MENA 1 to advance to tonight’s action.

 

Abdelrahman Alhyasat started his combat sports journey with Taekwondo before transitioning over to jiu-jitsu. Alhyasat is a perfect 4-0 thus far but is still looking for his first finish. Alhyasat advanced to tonight with a win over Ahmed Tarek at PFL MENA 1.

 

Who will advance to take on Islam Reda to determine the inaugural PFL MENA featherweight champion?

 

 

Round 1

 

A couple of hooks from Al-Qahtani to start things off. Alhyasat tries to answer with forward pressure. Low kick from Alhyasat. Both men landing in the center. Left hands from Alhyasat. Low kick from Alhyasat. A combination from Al-Qahtani. Left hand misses for Alhyasat. Left hands from both men. Right hand from Al-Qahtani. One-two backs up Alhyasat. Low kick from Alhyasat. Both throw strong. Left hand from Alhyasat. Left hand from Al-Qahtani. Alhyasat slips after a shot from Al-Qahtani, but he’s quickly up. Front kick from Alhyasat. One-two from Alhyasat.

 

Spinning back kick narrowly misses for Alhyasat. One-two from Al-Qahtani. Jabs from Alhyasat. Al-Qahtani lands a low kick and a left hand. Right hand from Al-Qahtani. Right hand from Alhyasat. Right hand again from Al-Qahtani. Low kick from Al-Qahtani. Alhyasat with a takedown. Left hands from Alhyasat landing to the body. Al-Qahtani landing right hands from the bottom. The referee calling for action. Alhyasat landing small ground-and-pound to the end of the round.

 

 

Round 2

 

One-two from Alhyasat. Alhyasat secures another takedown, getting right into full mount. Alhyasat landing several times to the head in close. Al-Qahtani looks to turn over, and Alhyasatlooks to take the back. Alhyasat ultimately keeps the mount. The referee asking for more activity. Alhyasat continues to work and he takes the back. He’s looking to secure the choke. It appears to be tight. Al-Qahtani manages to get his head out! Alhyasat is relentless, however, continuing to hunt for the finish.

 

 

Alhyasat keeping a hold of Al-Qahtani’s back but is struggling with space for the finish, given they are right next to the cage. Both men exchanging strikes, with Alhyasat trying to soften up the defenses. Alhyasat trying to re-secure the choke, but Al-Qahtani is looking to turn and get himself out of Alhyasat’s grasp. Al-Qahtani trying to use the cage with his legs for leverage, but Alhyasat is keeping the body triangle locked on. Alhyasat looking for another choke. The referee calling for action again. Both men looking to land strikes on the ground before the bell.

 

 

Round 3

 

The two embrace in the center. Al-Qahtani with a couple of hooks to start. Al-Qahtani misses a left hook. Left hand from Alhyasat. Both men missing with their jabs. Low kicks landing for Alhyasat. Alhyasat dodges the left hand from Al-Qahtani. Al-Qahtani landing jabs to the body. Low kick from Al-Qahtani. A couple of left hands landing for Alhyasat. Left hands now from Al-Qahtani. One-two from Al-Qahtani. Front kick from Al-Qahtani. Left hand flashed by Al-Qahtani. Low kick from Alhyasat. Low kick from Al-Qahtani. Strong overhand from Al-Qahtani.

 

Al-Qahtani misses a spinning backfist. Alhyasat lands a left but is unable to secure the takedown attempt. One-two from Al-Qahtani. Al-Qahtani misses a round kick. Kick to the body from Al-Qahtani. High kick from Alhyasat is countered by Al-Qahtani. One-two from Al-Qahtani. Left hand from Alhyasat. Alhyasat level changes and scores the single-leg takedown. Alhyasat is in arm-triangle position, but Al-Qahtani is going for a buggy choke. Al-Qahtani is busted open around one of his eyes, and it is gushing. Al-Qahtani works his way into half guard. Both men trying to land in close on the ground. Al-Qahtani trying to return to his feet, while Alhyasat looks for the arm-triangle position again. Al-Qahtani gets to his knees, but Alhyasat secures the back one more time before the bell.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Abdelrahman "Cobra" Alhyasat defeats Abdullah Al-Qahtani by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) in a PFL MENA Featherweight Semifinal Bout to advance to the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. He will face Islam Reda in the Featherweight Final.