Hamad Marhoon wins battle of debutants with quick counter guillotine

A member of KHK Team Bahrain, Hamad Marhoon has found success as a champion in combat sambo and grappling, having won a Saudi Arabia Combat Sambo title and two ADCC Kuwait titles. He found success on the amateur MMA circuit as well, becoming a three-time champion in Bahrain and earning a bronze medal at the 2021 IMMAF World Championship. Today marks his pro debut.

Oualid Gounaine is also making his professional debut on this card. A Combat Sambo practitioner, Gounaine is a national champion in his native Morocco and has won a gold medal in the Throne Cup. He went 1-0 in amateur MMA.

Which of these two will start their professional MMA runs off with a win as the action in Saudi Arabia kicks off?

Round 1

Marhoon takes the center of the cage. The two feel out each other’s distance. Left hand by Marhoon. A couple of leg kicks from Gounaine, who then successfully gets a quick takedown. Marhoon tries for a guillotine, but it’s hard against the fence. He does make his way back up to his feet, however. Marhoon goes for a jab. Gounaine level changes again for another takedown attempt, but Marhoon catches him in a guillotine! Gounaine goes to the ground. The choke is still in. The ref is checking. Gounaine is OUT!

What a way to kick off the action in Khobar

A first round submission finish for Hamad Marhoon as he jumps the gilly! @PFLMENA Finals LIVE NOW on the PFL App | 8p ET on @VICETV pic.twitter.com/kUDCWYo1On

— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 5, 2025

What a counter and what a first-round victory for Hamad Marhoon to start his pro career!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Hamad Marhoon def. Oualid Gounaine via first-round submission (guillotine choke, 1:39).