JEDDAH – The Professional Fighters League (PFL MENA 2 Blazes) is back in Saudi Arabia with the highly anticipated launch of PFL MENA Season 2, taking place at the iconic Onyx Arena in Jeddah on Friday, May 9, 2025. This event marks a major milestone for mixed martial arts (MMA) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, especially for Saudi Arabia, often called the birthplace of MMA in the kingdom.
The event is expected to draw a packed crowd of passionate fans as local and regional fighters enter the cage in pursuit of glory, recognition, and the chance to become a PFL MENA champion.
Historic Rematch Headlines the Event: Al-Qahtani vs. Reda
The main event of the night will see one of the most talked-about rematches in regional MMA history: Saudi Arabia’s own Abdullah “The Reaper” Al-Qahtani will face off against Egypt’s Islam “The Egyptian Zombie” Reda in a featherweight quarterfinal bout. Their previous clash in 2018 ended with a win for Al-Qahtani, but Reda is eager for redemption.
This rematch carries more than just competitive stakes. It’s a personal battle between two of the region’s most skilled fighters. Al-Qahtani, who enjoys widespread popularity in Saudi Arabia, brings powerful striking and unshakable confidence. Reda, known for his aggressive style and endurance, narrowly missed winning the featherweight championship last season after pulling out due to injury.
Both fighters have evolved significantly since their last meeting, making this a must-watch main event. Their styles promise fireworks in the cage, and fans can expect an all-out war from start to finish.
Top Fighters from Across the Region on the Card
PFL MENA 2 doesn’t just spotlight two fighters—it showcases the best talent from across the Arab world. The lineup includes a strong mix of established names and promising young prospects from Morocco, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, the UAE, and more.
Some of the standout athletes on the card include:
- Salah Eddine Hamli from Morocco, who is known for his fast-paced fights and knockout power.
- Izzeddine Al Derbani from Jordan, a fan-favorite featherweight with impressive grappling skills.
- Yanis Ghemmouri from Algeria, a technical striker who brings international experience into the cage.
- Hussein Salam from Iraq, a rising star known for his resilience and heart.
Also making waves are two debutants who are expected to shake up the competition:
- Abdulaziz Al Moamar, a Saudi Games gold medalist, is set to make his professional PFL debut. As one of the country’s most promising fighters, he is stepping onto the big stage with high expectations and a chance to inspire a new generation of Saudi athletes.
- Youssef Alhosani, a standout grappler from the United Arab Emirates, is making his PFL debut with a solid background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His ground game could be a game-changer in the lightweight division.
With such a diverse and talented roster, fans can expect explosive action and breakout performances throughout the night.
Jeddah Season Adds Global Shine to MMA
The event is not just another night of fights—it is part of the larger Jeddah Season, a national festival celebrating Saudi Arabia’s arts, sports, culture, and entertainment. By aligning with this major celebration, PFL MENA 2 benefits from greater exposure, tourism engagement, and government support.
This strategic partnership aims to promote Saudi talent, build international awareness of the region’s growing combat sports scene, and showcase Jeddah as a world-class sports destination.
For many of the fighters, it’s not just a chance to win—it’s an opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages in Middle Eastern MMA history, in front of a roaring home crowd.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in MMA’s Regional Growth
Saudi Arabia has increasingly become a major hub for combat sports, including boxing, wrestling, and now, professional MMA. Hosting PFL MENA is a part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy, grow local talent in sports and entertainment, and engage the youth through active participation and national pride.
Events like PFL MENA 2 play a critical role in developing the next generation of athletes. With local fighters competing at a high level, young Saudis now have role models to look up to and goals to strive for.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, in particular, has become a symbol of this growth. His journey from a relatively unknown local athlete to a PFL main event star reflects the rapid development of the sport within the kingdom.
PFL MENA’s Format Brings Structure and Opportunity
One of the unique aspects of the Professional Fighters League is its seasonal format. Fighters compete in a structured tournament with playoff spots and a clear path to the championship title. This format brings a sense of urgency and purpose to every fight—each win or loss directly affects the fighter’s future in the league.
For fighters from the Middle East and North Africa, this structure offers a transparent, merit-based platform that rewards performance and consistency. It also gives fans an easy way to follow their favorite athletes and track their progress.
Event Details at a Glance
- Event: PFL MENA 2 – Season 2 Opening Night
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Venue: Onyx Arena, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Broadcast: Available globally on PFL platforms and selected sports broadcasters
- Main Event: Abdullah Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia) vs. Islam Reda (Egypt)
A Night of High Stakes, Heart, and History
As PFL MENA returns to Saudi Arabia for its second season, all eyes will be on Jeddah. With national pride, personal rivalries, and career-defining moments on the line, this is more than just a sports event—it’s a cultural milestone.
Saudi fans will rally behind their fighters, while the region watches to see who rises, who falls, and who writes their name into the history books of Middle Eastern MMA.
For Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Islam Reda, and the rest of the PFL MENA warriors, the cage is set. Now, it’s time to fight.
