Omar El Dafrawy is a boxing specialist known for his striking power and ability, as well as his resilience. El Dafrawy is a former regional welterweight champion who enters tonight with a 10-6 record. El Dafrawy also enters with a four-fight win streak, most recently knocking out Abdulla Al Bousheiri in January.

 

Known as “The Silent K-9,” Anthony Zeidan is fueled to win gold in MMA to honor the memory of his father. Zeidan is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a National Muay Thai champion in his native Lebanon. Zeidan is 5-1 and last fought in December, where he earned a split decision victory over Riyadh Hamza Bachay.

 

Who will advance on in PFL MENA’s welterweight season?

 

 

Round 1

 

Zeidan with a side kick to open things up. El Dafrawy answers with a low kick and a round kick to the body. El Dafrawy continues with the sidekick-based attack. Zeidan misses a right hand. Zeidan’s front kick attempt is blocked. Low blow from Zeidan causes a timeout briefly. Low kick from El Dafrawy. Side kick to the body by El Dafrawy. Another big kick lands to counter a flurry from El Dafrawy. But the kick lands on El Dafrawy’s groin, causing another foul timeout! Hard warning given to Zeidan before the fight resumes. Big kick and a one-two from El Dafrawy. El Dafrawy misses a jumping kick to the head. El Dafrawy misses the left hand. Zeidan gets El Dafrawy to the fence and looks for the takedown.

 

Zeidan continues to pursue the takedown in spite of taking in some heavy hammerfists from El Dafrawy. Zeidan gets a body lock, but the two go to the opposite side of the cage. Big knees from El Dafrawy. El Dafrawy tees off, and he’s got Zeidan hurt! Combination from El Dafrawy backs him up. El Dafrawy continues to pressure and pursue. Another flurry against the fence. Zeidan misses a right hand. El Dafrawy with another flurry. Zeidan gets El Dafrawy’s back toward the fence and presses him on another takedown attempt. El Dafrawy reverses the position in the closing seconds, landing a couple of knees and another big flurry.

 

 

 

Round 2

 

Left hand from El Dafrawy. El Dafrawy with a spinning back kick. Right hand from El Dafrawy. Combination from El Dafrawy as he continues his pressure. Spinning back fist misses for Zeidan. Left hand from El Dafrawy. Zeidan scores the body lock, pressing El Dafrawy against the fence. El Dafrawy gets off the fence and starts to land again with big strikes. El Dafrawy lands a series of knees to the head of Zeidan. Another combination from El Dafrawy. Zeidan lands a strike to answer back. Another series of knees and punches from El Dafrawy.

 

El Dafrawy looks for an anaconda choke but can’t get it. Zeidan presses El Dafrawy into the fence again. Zeidan looks for a takedown, but El Dafrawy has control of the wrist and gets on top. El Dafrawy looks for the anaconda choke again. El Dafrawy gets to Zeidan’s back. Zeidan fights out of the position and now tries to look for a heel hook, but he doesn’t have the power behind it. Zeidan lets the submission attempt go.

 

 

Round 3

 

El Dafrawy presses Zeidan against the fence. Zeidan finally is able to bring the fight to the ground about a minute into the fight. El Dafrawy gets his guard up. Zeidan is not doing much with the position, however. Zeidan is looking for a heel hook, but he doesn’t have it again. El Dafrawy looks for his own foot lock!

 

El Dafrawy brings down powerful shots on the ground. El Dafrawy has an underhook. El Dafrawy lands several left hands. Zeidan returns the fight to the feet, still trying to go forward and press El Dafrawy into the fence. Zeidan is able to get free after a couple of more shots from El Dafrawy. El Dafrawy lands another combination, and now he’s looking for the takedown. Zeidan looks for a weak guillotine attempt, but El Dafrawy scores the takedown and goes for some ground-and-pound. Zeidan looks for an ankle lock in the final 10 seconds but can’t get it.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Omar El Dafrawy defeats Anthony Zeidan by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27) in a PFL MENA Welterweight Regular Season bout, earning his place in the 2024 PFL MENA Playoffs. He’ll face the winner of Jarrah Al-Selawe vs. Rayan Atmani.

  • El Dafrawy moves his career record to 11-6 with his 5th straight win
  • El Dafrawy represents Egypt but did his training camp in Bali, Indonesia