Islam Reda takes down the competition en route to featherweight final spot

A grappling specialist, Islam Reda is an eight-time Egyptian National Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. Reda has won seven straight and has eight victories via submission. Reda got a literal last-minute finish in his opening-round tournament matchup, scoring his first career TKO over Akram Nasri in May.

Taha Bendaoud found success on the regional circuit with an amateur title before his current 5-0 run as a pro. Bendaoud has three victories by submission so far as a pro. This includes his first-round matchup in May, where he submitted Drissi Boualem in just over two minutes.

Who will move on to compete against Yanis Ghemmouri for the 2025 PFL MENA featherweight title?

Round 1

A small combination from Reda presses Bendaoud, but Bendaoud grabs a hold of him by the fence and scores a takedown. We’ve got a scramble now, and Reda looks for the ankle. He doesn’t get a submission but ends up on top in Bendaoud’s guard. Bendaoud appears to be going for a Gogoplata. Reda lifts him and stacks him up against the fence. It looks like Bendaoud is in an Omoplata attempt now, but Reda picks him up and slams him again. Another slam now. And again. He’s using these slams to try and free his arm. Bendaoud is still chasing for the Omoplata. Yet another slam, and now Reda is out and in top position.

Bendaoud throws up his legs for a triangle now, but he can’t get it. Reda tries to get around the legs, but Bendaoud uses his guard again. A couple of shots from up top. A couple of right hands from Reda now. Reda with a couple of right hands and an elbow. Reda trying to work in Benaoud’s guard. Left hands now from Reda. Reda throws a couple of elbows before the bell.

Round 2

Reda level changes early and scores a takedown, trying to establish control of the ground game early. Reda with a figure-four, locking the legs of Bendaoud up. Reda trying to ankle pick, as Bendaoud uses his guard for defense. Reda lands some punches and elbows, mixing things up when he gets the chance to get around the guard.

Reda landing punches to the thigh and belly now. Reda works his way into full mount, but Bendaoud defends his way back into a full guard position. Reda gets around the guard and lands some strong ground-and-pound, working the hammerfist. Bendaoud tries to use his guard again, but Reda consistently controls one of his legs. Reda with emphatic top control throughout this round.

Round 3

High kick from Bendaoud. Uppercut by Reda, and he scores a takedown right after. Reda lands inside shots, trying to work around the guard of Bendaoud. Bendaoud is jammed against the fence, but Reda’s right arm is in deep. Reda creates space and lays in some right hands. He’s taking advantage when Bendaoud leaves an opening on the ground. Bendaoud is looking for an armbar now, but Reda isn’t phased. Reda lands a couple of strong right hands, prompting the referee to tell Bendaoud to defend himself.

Reda with some more strong punches from up top. Reda continues to work the right hand. Bendaoud is using his guard, but it seems he’s not trying to get back to his feet. Reda lands a number of shots with the right hand. Bendaoud tries to fire back with about a minute left in the fight. A couple of more right hands from Reda. Bendaoud is trying to improve his position and find a submission, but it’s doing nothing for him. Bendaoud gets back to his feet, and a brief exchange closes the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Islam Reda def. Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-27) in a Featherweight Semifinal Bout.