Mohammad Alaqraa began his MMA career in 2021 after a first-place finish in the National IBJJF tournament. Alaqraa, who went 2-0 on the amateur circuit, has continued his winning ways, scoring five wins while competing in notable promotions globally. Alaqraa most recently fought in March 2023, defeating Omar El Dafrawy.

 

Though he began his pro MMA journey in 2018, Youcef Ouabbas has competed just three times since. Yet, he has a 3-0 record and won grappling titles in his native France in both 2019 and 2020. Ouabbas’ last fight came in May 2022 in Bellator, defeating Matthieu Letho via first-round TKO at Bellator 280.

 

Who will go on to face Badreddine Diani in the next round of PFL MENA’s welterweight competition?

 

 

Round 1

 

Alaqraa looks for a takedown right away and is able to get it from the body lock. Right hand from Alaqraa. Ouabbas lands a quick shot. Alaqraa looks to work with the right hand, though Ouabbas is defending well on the ground. Alaqraa continues to land. Alaqraa looks to move into mount. The referee calls for more activity. Ouabbas tries to turn off the mat and get to his knees, but Alaqraa keeps him down. Alaqraa lands a couple of more right hands. Alaqraa with a few hammerfists landing upstairs.

 

Ouabbas tries to turn through again, but Alaqraa follows him and gets a front headlock. Alaqraa lands a knee before the two separate. Combination lands for Ouabbas. Alaqraa presses Ouabbas into the fence briefly. Alaqraa level changes, but Ouabbas defends the takedown. Alaqraa presses him into the fence again, landing short inside shots. Ouabbas lands to the body. Alaqraa with a spinning backfist, and he follows that up with a takedown. Alaqraa lands some strong ground-and-pound! Alaqraa gets in a tight guillotine, but Ouabbas is able to escape! Alaqraa nevertheless ends the round on top.

 

 

Round 2

 

High kick from Alaqraa to start. Alaqraa level changes, but Ouabbas separates from the pressure. Alaqraa shoots in again, but Ouabbas prevents it. Right hand lands for Ouabbas, but Alaqraa presses him into the fence once more. Alaqraa lifts Ouabbas up and puts him down, scoring another big takedown. Alaqraa smothering with constant movement. Ouabbas looks to sweep, but Alaqraa stops that.

 

Alaqraa continues to land at will on the ground. Ouabbas has the leg of Alaqraa hooked. Ouabbas frees it and gets back to his feet, separating. Ouabbas tries to keep his distance and has to defend another takedown attempt. Combination from Alaqraa. Left hand from Alaqraa, and he presses him back to the fence. Knee to the leg by Alaqraa. Alaqraa scores a takedown and looks for full control of Ouabbas’ back, searching for a choke. The horn sounds, however.

 

 

Round 3

 

Both men land a straight to start, only for Alaqraa to get behind and score another takedown. Alaqraa gets into half-guard and rains down blows with the left hand. Alaqraa continues to land, and all Ouabbas is doing is covering up! The referee steps in!

 

 

Mohammad Alaqraa moves to 6-0, and Badreddine Diani is next for him!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Mohammad Alaqraa defeats Youcef Ouabbas by 3rd round TKO (0:52) in a PFL MENA Welterweight Regular Season bout, earning his place in the 2024 PFL MENA Playoffs. He’ll face Badreddine Diani in the semifinals.

  • Alaqraa moves his undefeated record to 6-0 with his 2nd career knockout, handing Ouabbas his first career loss
  • Alaqraa represents Kuwait and fights out of AKA in San Jose, CA