Moroccan fighters are set for a big night in Riyadh as they push for a place in the PFL MENA finals. Four athletes will be in action on Saturday, September 27, at The Arena, with fans able to watch live and free on the Starzplay app.
In the bantamweight semi-final, Xavier Alaoui (15-1-0) takes on Egypt’s Islam Youssef (6-2-0). Alaoui said: “My third time here in PFL. I am starting to like Riyadh more than Dubai to be honest. I am very proud to see many Moroccans on the fight card. Hopefully we will all win and reach the final. I am sharper, feel better, and peaking now.”
Salah Eddine Hamli (9-0-0) meets Algeria’s Souhil Tairi (8-6-1) in the lightweight bracket.
In the featherweight semi-final, Taha Bendaoud (5-0-0) will fight Egypt’s Islam Reda (12-1-0). Bendaoud, who trained in Canada, Mexico and Morocco, said: “I have 13 years of experience as a fighter. I promise fireworks on Saturday. I am sure we will all win and take home the belt. Youth life is hard in Morocco. You find teens train to become champions, not buff up. That’s their goal. Fighting saved my life, it’s my passion. Playing here in Saudi Arabia is amazing feeling because I am surrounded by my people and fit right in the culture.”
Welterweight fighter Badreddine Diani (9-3-0) will face Iranian Amir Fazli (7-3-0). “We are well known brutal fighters. We are the best fighters in the MENA region,” Diani said. “We have a strong following and hope PFL one day organise fight night in Morocco. Moroccans need a chance to showcase their fighting skills. All cities are proud of strong fighters, we just need to be given a chance. We share everything with the up and coming stars.”
MMA in Morocco has been growing rapidly, with fans and fighters alike hoping for more international events in the country.
