The Professional Fighters League returned to Boulevard City in Riyadh for PFL MENA 11: Last Man Standing, with tournament finalists emerging across three divisions and a long-running rivalry finally reaching its conclusion.
The biggest moment of the night came in the light heavyweight main event, where Saudi Arabia’s Mostafa Rashed Nada settled his trilogy with Egypt’s Osama ElSeady.
With the rivalry tied at one win apiece, Nada left no room for debate this time around. He locked in a guillotine choke and forced the stoppage at 2:33 of the second round.
“This fight meant more than just another win,” Nada said. “Osama and I have shared this rivalry for years, and with one victory each, I wanted to leave no doubt about how the trilogy would end.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter, but tonight was my night. To finish the rivalry by submission here in Saudi Arabia, in front of these fans, is a moment I’ll always remember.”
In the welterweight co-main event, Morocco’s Badreddine Diani punched his ticket to the finals with an impressive second-round submission win over Jordan’s Hazem Kayyali.
Diani stayed patient before securing an arm-triangle choke at 3:05 of the second round, moving one step closer to championship gold.
“It feels amazing to earn my place in the PFL MENA Finals,” Diani said.
“I came into this fight knowing Hazem was a tough opponent, but I trusted my preparation and stayed patientuntil the opportunity came.
“Getting the submission and moving one step closer to becoming champion means a lot to me. Morocco will be with me in the final, and I’m going there to bring the belt home.”
Elsewhere at PFL MENA 11, Algeria’s Ylies Djiroun delivered one of the most decisive performances of the night.
Djiroun stopped Egypt’s previously unbeaten Assem Ghanem with punches at 3:06 of the opening round to advance in the lightweight tournament.
Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi also moved on after handing Syria’s Shadi Kabbani his first professional loss. Saadi earned a split-decision victory in their featherweight semifinal.
In the other welterweight semifinal, Algeria’s Abdelkrim Zouad defeated Palestine’s Omar Hussein by unanimous decision.
Egypt’s Mohammad Fahmi also secured his place in the season finale with a unanimous-decision win over compatriot Ahmed El Sisy in lightweight action.
Saudi Arabia’s Fatima Al Ammari enjoyed a memorable night in front of her home fans. She stopped Algeria’s Aya Lounes with knees and punches at 1:05 of the second round in their 139-pound catchweight bout.
Alridah Alnemar also gave the Saudi crowd something to celebrate in the opening fight, defeating Bahrain’s Ali Alshowakh by unanimous decision at bantamweight.
Attention now turns to PFL MENA 12: MMA’s Most Wanted on Dec. 11 in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The season finale will crown champions at featherweight, lightweight and welterweight, with the winners from PFL MENA 11 now one victory away from championship gold.
The card will also feature the return of 2025 PFL MENA welterweight champion Mohammad Alaqraa in the main event, while Al Khobar favorite Ahmed Albrahim is also set to compete.
Jerome Mazet, general manager of PFL MENA, said the finale will highlight the promotion’s long-term goal of developing talent across the region.
“PFL MENA’s mission is to identify, develop and showcase the best fighters from the Middle East and North Africa, both the leading athletes of today and the champions of tomorrow,” Mazet said. “This event will bring that vision to life once again as we crown three new champions and welcome back two of the region’s most loved fighters, Mohammad Alaqraa and Ahmed Albrahim.
“We look forward to delivering another unforgettable night for the fans in Al Khobar.”
