https://arab.news/bbvkj
- Only defeated by Khurshed Kakhorov in his 10-bout mixed-martial arts career
Things did not go quite according to plan when Ali Taleb last stepped inside the Smart Cage of the Professional Fighters League.
With a chance to advance to the bantamweight finale of the inaugural season of PFL Europe, Taleb fell short, losing via unanimous decision to eventual champion Khurshed Kakhorov.
The loss last year was the first blemish on Taleb鈥檚 10-fight professional mixed-martial arts resume, but it also became a bit of a learning experience for the Iraqi-Swedish bantamweight.
鈥淲hat I learned is not to be jittery, don鈥檛 chase the knockout all the time,鈥� Taleb said in a recent interview on the Rondvilan Podcast.
鈥淚t was his turn, it was his time to win the million,鈥� said Taleb.
The 26-year-old reigning UAE Warriors Bantamweight Champion added: 鈥淭here鈥檚 still a lot for me to learn, honestly.鈥�
Looking ahead, Taleb has his sights set on his PFL MENA debut in Riyadh on May 10. He will be facing a familiar opponent in Jordan鈥檚 Nawras Abzakh, whom he defeated in 2021.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the first time I鈥檓 going to rematch someone,鈥� Taleb said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be good, I鈥檓 excited, man.鈥�
Taleb will try to make history by becoming one of the first PFL MENA champions.
He said that Abzakh had asked to face him. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a tournament, but he said 鈥業 want to fight him.鈥欌€�
鈥淗e鈥檚 gonna get a taste,鈥� Taleb continued. 鈥淣othing can stop me now. I鈥檓 going to take his soul, and that鈥檚 that. This guy won鈥檛 stop me.鈥�
He also revealed that he will be defending his UAE Warriors鈥� title.
鈥淚鈥檓 allowed by the PFL to take a fight in UAE Warriors, so I think I鈥檓 going to defend my belt there,鈥� Taleb said.
The PFL MENA: Riyadh tournament takes place on Friday May 10 at The Green Halls in Riyadh, 黑料社区. All PFL MENA events will air live on MBC Action and SHAHID.