For Kuwaiti mixed martial artist Almudhaf ‘This is just the beginning’

Kuwaiti mixed martial artist Eman Almudhaf who turned out victorious said the fight was an incredible experience. “Going in, my strategy was to stay composed, control the pace, and be smart with both my striking and grappling.

“The first round was definitely challenging — my opponent came in strong — but once I settled in, things really started to click in the second and third rounds.

“Securing the win felt amazing. It wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a win for my entire team and everyone who’s supported me on this journey. It really validated all the hard work and sacrifices we’ve made to get here.”

Honestly, the whole experience with PFL has been amazing, she said and went on to add: “From the moment I signed, I felt completely supported. The organization is incredibly professional — the production, the team, the energy in the arena — it was all next level. This is definitely a step up in terms of competition, but the moment I stepped into the SmartCage, I felt like I belonged. The PFL is all about real, high-level competition, and that’s what excites me most. I’m proud to be part of it and even more excited for what’s next.”

After a short rest at home, she said, it’s right back to work. “I’m getting straight back into my training routine and focusing on building momentum. I’m taking it one fight at a time, but I’m hungrier than ever.

“My goal is to keep improving — physically, mentally, technically — and stay ready for whatever opportunity comes my way. I want to keep climbing the ranks and prove that I belong at the top of the PFL. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m not done yet. This is just the beginning.

Meanwhile, PFL MENA season 2 kicks off with thrilling action in spectacular fashion at the Onyx Arena, with a fight card packed with excitement and intensity. Fighters in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions delivered standout performances to earn their spots in the 2025 PFL MENA Semifinals.

In the main event, reigning 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi of Iran edged out Egypt’s Ahmed El Sisy by unanimous decision. Mohammadseifi mixed his striking and grappling effectively, controlling the pace of the fight to advance in the Lightweight tournament.

Making his PFL MENA debut, Morocco’s Salah Eddine Hamli showcased elite grappling skills, submitting Bahrain’s Abbas Khan with a rear-naked choke in the third round to punch his ticket to the Lightweight Semifinals.

Featherweight Showcases

• Taha Bendaoud (Morocco) wasted no time, submitting Algeria’s Boualem Drissi with a triangle choke just over two minutes into the first round to secure a Semifinal spot.
• Egypt’s Assem Ghanem dominated Hussein Salem (Iraq) from start to finish with relentless ground control, winning by unanimous decision.
• Islam Reda (Egypt) overwhelmed Algeria’s Akram Nasri, earning a third-round TKO after raining down strikes from full mount.

Other Lightweight Division Highlights

• Iraq’s Mohammad Fahmi made quick work of Lebanon’s Georges Eid, securing a first-round anaconda choke submission.
• In a special moment, Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Makki ended his MMA career with a victory, submitting Egypt’s Hasham Elnamer with a heel hook in the third round of their Lightweight bout.
• Saudi newcomer Malik Basahel impressed in his professional debut, stopping Algeria’s Mountasser Boutouta via second-round TKO with a punishing display of striking.
• Kuwait’s undefeated Eman Almudhaf took a split decision win over Brazil’s Shamara Braga in a women’s Featherweight showcase after ramping up the pressure in the final two rounds.
• Abdulaziz Al Moammar (Saudi Arabia) opened the night with a strong performance against Algeria’s Fares Hamdani, using dominant grappling to win their amateur bout by unanimous decision.

Bout Cancellation

A scheduled Featherweight tournament clash between Jordan’s Izzeddine Al Derbani and Algeria’s Yanis Ghemmouri was pulled from the card due to Al Derbani being medically unfit to compete.

Official PFL MENA 1: JEDDAH Results

Lightweight Tournament

• Mohsen Mohammadseifi def. Ahmed El Sisy — Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Salah Eddine Hamli def. Abbas Khan — Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:05 of Round 3
• Mohammad Fahmi def. Georges Eid — Submission (Anaconda Choke) at 3:12 of Round 1
• Souhil Tairi def. Abdullah Saleem — TKO (Strikes) at 3:20 of Round 2

Featherweight Tournament

• Taha Bendaoud def. Boualem Drissi — Submission (Triangle Choke) at 2:07 of Round 1
• Assem Ghanem def. Hussein Salem — Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-25)
• Islam Reda def. Akram Nasri — TKO (Strikes) at 4:33 of Round 3

Showcase Bouts

• Malik Basahel def. Mountasser Boutouta — TKO (Strikes) at 2:32 of Round 2 (Flyweight)
• Ahmed Makki def. Hasham Elnamer — Submission (Heel Hook) at 2:03 of Round 3 (Lightweight)
• Eman Almudhaf def. Shamara Braga — Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) (Women’s Featherweight)
• Abdulaziz Al Moammar def. Fares Hamdani — Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) (Catchweight – 166 lbs Amateur)The action-packed opening event of PFL MENA Season 2 sets the stage for an electrifying tournament ahead, as the region’s top talents continue to chase championship glory.