Saudi Arabian mixed martial artist Abdullah Al-Qahtani has been unstoppable since joining the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2023. With two early showcase victories and an explosive start to 2024, "The Reaper" is now on the path to becoming the inaugural PFL MENA featherweight champion.

Al-Qahtani, 27, made a major statement in January, knocking out Edukondala Rao in front of a home crowd at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event in Riyadh. The emphatic KO solidified his status as one of the brightest stars in the region and opened the door for him to be the face of the newly launched PFL MENA.

Heading into PFL MENA 3, Al-Qahtani is the clear favorite to win the featherweight crown, having dominated Yazeed Hasanain at PFL MENA 1 to secure a spot in the semifinals. On September 20th in Riyadh, he’ll face Jordanian Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat in a must-win headliner to advance to the finals.

Al-Qahtani says he’s done his homework on his opponent. "I'm fighting Al-Hayassat on my home turf and in front of my crowd. Naturally, I study my opponents thoroughly before every fight, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to devise the right strategy that will enable me to win and advance to the next round," said Al-Qahtani, who remains unbeaten with a 4-0 record inside the PFL SmartCage.

With momentum on his side, Al-Qahtani’s confidence is soaring. "I've prepared perfectly for this fight, and I’m confident in my ability to win and qualify for the final," he added.

For the Saudi MMA star, the goal is crystal clear: to capture the featherweight belt and continue his reign in the PFL. "My focus is on the belt and winning the fight. My opponent’s statements about his ability to win won’t affect me. I know my capabilities well, just as I know his."

Al-Qahtani is also motivated by the unwavering support of his fans. "My goal is to entertain my supporters who always stand by me, and I won’t let them down. I’ll easily defeat my Jordanian opponent."

As the fight date approaches, fans are eager to see if Al-Qahtani can keep his winning streak alive and take one step closer to being crowned the first-ever PFL MENA featherweight champion.

See the complete PFL MENA 3 fight card below: 

Featherweight Semifinal bout

Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-1) vs. Abdelrahman Alhyasat (4-0)

Welterweight Semifinal bout

Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-6) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (11-6)

Welterweight Semifinal bout

Mohammad Alaqraa (6-0) vs. Amir Fazli (6-2)

Lightweight Semifinal bout

Souhil Taïri (7-4-1) vs. Mohsen Mohammadseifi (5-1)

Bantamweight Semifinal bout

Ali Taleb (10-1) vs. Jalal Al Daaja (11-8)

Featherweight Semifinal bout

Islam Reda (11-1) vs. Marouaune Bellagouit (5-0)

Bantamweight Semifinal bout

Elias Boudegzdame (19-8) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (14-3)

Lightweight Semifinal bout

Georges Eid (9-4, 1NC) vs. Omar Reguigui (4-0, 1NC)

Alternate Featherweight Showcase bout

Adam Meskini (8-3) vs. Yazeed Hasanain (3-1)

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