PFL MENA vice president hails region鈥檚 鈥榬emarkable鈥� MMA talent

PFL Vice President of Fighter Operations and head matchmaker Gustavo Firmino [Center] (Supplied)
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  • Gustavo Firmino talks to Arab News about the playoffs in Riyadh, growth of MMA in Middle East, and the PFL World Championships

RIYADH: PFL MENA may still be in its inaugural season, but it has already given mixed martial arts fighters from the Middle East a platform to showcase their talents on to global audiences. 

One of the key driving forces behind the success of the Professional Fighters League鈥檚 newest international league is its Vice President of Fighter Operations Gustavo Firmino. Having previously worked with Bahrain-based BRAVE CF, Firmino knows a thing or two about putting on the best fights for Middle Eastern fans, and he is continued to do that with PFL MENA. 

On Sept. 20, PFL MENA enters its postseason, raising the stakes for 16 of the best fighters in the region, as bantamweights, featherweights, lightweights, and welterweights take to the SmartCage at Boulevard Riyadh City to fight for an opportunity to become PFL MENA champion. 

Ahead of the PFL MENA playoffs, Firmino spoke about the talent in the Middle East, what it takes to break through into the PFL鈥檚 million-dollar global tournament, and some of the must-see matches on this Friday鈥檚 card. 

鈥淭he level of skill and talent we鈥檝e seen from fighters in the Middle East and North Africa has been nothing short of remarkable,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his only strengthens our commitment to investing in this region, helping to develop and discover more young talents with immense potential to shine on the global stage.鈥�

While a PFL MENA championship will certainly put a fighter on the map, it does not necessarily guarantee a spot in the PFL鈥檚 million-dollar global tournament, which features the best fighters from all corners of the globe. 

鈥淚t is important to note that winning the Professional Fighters League in the Middle East and North Africa region does not automatically guarantee a spot in the global championship. The level of competition on the international stage is incredibly high, and only the fighters who consistently perform at the top level, showing excellence and determination, will be considered for the global competition.鈥�

Still, the doors are open for Middle Eastern fighters to break through and compete on the global stage, as PFL MENA semifinalists like Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Jarrah Al-Selawe have done previously. 

鈥淭he key factors that will determine a fighter鈥檚 participation in international tournaments are high performance and consistency. It鈥檚 not just about winning titles; it's about proving yourself as a world-class athlete over time, through dedication and elite-level results,鈥� Firmino added. 

As for the fights on this Friday鈥檚 PFL MENA 3 card, Firmino highlighted some must-see matchups including the main event and the co-main event. 

The night鈥檚 marquee matchup will feature 黑料社区鈥檚 own Al-Qahtani taking on Jordan鈥檚 Abdulrahman Alyhassat in a featherweight semifinal contest. 

鈥淭he upcoming fight between Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat is incredibly difficult to predict,鈥� said Firmino. 鈥淏oth fighters have shown exceptional abilities, and their chances are evenly matched, with a 50/50 split. Each has demonstrated dominance in their previous bouts, making this one of the most closely contested fights of the tournament.鈥�

In the co-headlining bout, Jordan鈥檚 Al-Selawe looks to add another title to his already impressive resume as he faces Egypt鈥檚 Omar El Dafrawy. 

鈥淭he excitement surrounding the semi-final clash between Al-Selawe and El Dafrawy is enormous,鈥� Firmino exclaimed. 鈥淓l Dafrawi brings youthful energy and determination, while Al-Selawe is one of the most seasoned fighters in the region.

鈥淭his matchup is a highly anticipated bout, and all eyes will be on these two exceptional athletes,鈥� he added. 

Firmino also talked about the other 170-pound semifinal fight featuring Mohammad Alaqraa, a protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and multiple-time champion Amir Fazil. 

鈥淢ohammad is Khabib鈥檚 protege, he trains at Khabib鈥檚 gym in Dagestan, he鈥檚 undefeated at 6-0 with 5 wins by knockout, but he鈥檚 facing a multiple-time Wushu Sanda Champion and a current UAE Warriors champion in Fazil. It鈥檚 the moment of truth for him. Is he ready for the next level?鈥�