By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: PFL
The Professional Fighters League returned to Boulevard City in Riyadh for PFL MENA 11: Last Man Standing, with tournament finalists confirmed across the welterweight, lightweight and featherweight divisions while Saudi Arabia’s Mostafa Rashed Nada settled a decade long rivalry in the main event.
Nada improved his record to 10 4 after submitting Egypt’s Osama ElSeady, 9 -4, with a guillotine choke at 2:33 of the second round in their light heavyweight contest.
The victory settled a trilogy that had been tied at one win apiece.
“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.”
Morocco’s Badreddine Diani also booked his place in the PFL MENA Finals with a second round submission of Jordan’s Hazem Kayyali in the welterweight co main event.
Diani, now 12 -4, secured an arm triangle choke at 3:05 to move within one victory of the title.
“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 patient until 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.”
Algeria’s Ylies Djiroun, 26- 9, advanced in the lightweight tournament after stopping Egypt’s previously unbeaten Assem Ghanem, 7 1, with punches at 3:06 of the opening round.
Mohammad Fahmi, 7- 1, also progressed in the lightweight division after defeating fellow Egyptian Ahmed El Sisy, 8- 3, by unanimous decision.
In the featherweight tournament, Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi, 8 -2, handed Syria’s Shadi Kabbani, 5- 1, his first professional defeat, winning their semi final by split decision.
The other welterweight semi final saw Algeria’s Abdelkrim Zouad, 9 2, defeat Palestine’s Omar Hussein, 12 8, by unanimous decision.
There were also victories for Saudi Arabia’s Fatima Al Ammari and Alridah Alnemar. Al Ammari stopped Algeria’s Aya Lounes with knees and punches at 1:05 of the second round in a 139 pound catchweight bout, while Alnemar opened the card with a unanimous decision victory over Bahrain’s Ali Alshowakh in the bantamweight division.
Attention now turns to PFL MENA 12: MMA’s Most Wanted, which will take place on Friday, 11 December, in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
The 2026 season finale will crown champions in the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions, with the winners of Friday’s semi finals advancing to compete for championship gold.
The card will also feature the return of 2025 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Mohammad Alaqraa, who will headline alongside Al Khobar favourite Ahmed Albrahim. Their opponents will be announced later, with further bouts and the full card to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet said the finale would underline the promotion’s commitment to developing regional talent. “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.”
Full PFL MENA 11: LAST MAN STANDING Results:
Mostafa Rashed Nada (10-4) defeated Osama ElSeady (9-4) via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:33 in round two
Badreddine Diani (12-4) defeated Hazem Kayyali (3-1-2) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:05 in round two
Ylies Djiroun (26-9) defeated Assem Ghanem (7-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:06 in round one
Mehdi Saadi (8-2) defeated Shadi Kabbani (5-1) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Abdelkrim Zouad (9-2) defeated Omar Hussein (12-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).