Islam Youssef scores highlight flying kick KO to score semifinals spot

While he missed weight himself, Islam Youssef has been granted a major opportunity, moving to tournament participant on just four days’ notice. The former regional bantamweight champion from Egypt is on a four-fight win streak and has four finishes to his credit. He fought most recently in February, using a Von Flue choke to score a first-round submission of Mohamed El Shemy.

Benyamin Ghahreman is also taking this tournament bout on short notice, replacing an ill Elias Boudegzdame on less than one week’s notice. The former Iranian National amateur champion is 3-0, with two of those wins coming via submission. He most recently fought in March, submitting Maksim Cherstvoy.

Which of these two young fighters will make the most of their opportunity and move on in the PFL MENA bantamweight tournament?

Round 1

The two hug in the center to start. Low kick from Youssef. And another. Low kick from Ghahreman. Youssef with another low kick, and Ghahreman fires a counter. Youssef runs in with a small flurry to back Ghahreman up. Youssef looks for a takedown but can’t find it. Big swing and a miss by Youssef. Combination from Youssef. Uppercut by Ghahreman.

Youssef misses the overhand. Youssef goes for a takedown again, and this time he gets it. Youssef in Ghahreman’s guard. Ghahreman looking for a kimura, but Youssef gets out and the fight returns to the feet. Big overhand by Youssef. Low kicks from both men. Left hand from Ghahreman. Low kick from Ghahreman. Low kick and a solid combination from Youssef, ending with a knee. Right hand from Ghahreman.

Round 2

Ghahreman with an uppercut. Youssef with a high kick that is blocked. Ghahreman with a jab. Combination from Youssef. Takedown attempt from Youssef is stopped. Right hand from Ghahreman. Another right hand. Uppercut to the body lands for Youssef. Ghahreman with a counter. Ghahreman catches the body kick and brings Youssef over to the SmartCage edge, looking to take the back. Youssef lands a big shot to break the clinch. Youssef works the low kick.

Jab to the body by Ghahreman. Youssef misses a one-two. Left hand from Youssef. Leg kick by Youssef. Ghahreman with the right hand. Right hand from Ghahreman again. Youssef with the takedown attempt, but Ghahreman jumps for a triangle choke. He can’t get it. Youssef comes in and LANDS A FLYING KICK THAT DROPS GHAHREMAN OUT COLD! WOW!!!

OH MY! FLYING KNEE KO! 🤯🤯

Islam Youssef with the highlight reel knockout!

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HIGHLIGHT-REEL KNOCKOUT BY ISLAM YOUSSEF TO ADVANCE TO THE SEMIFINALS ON SHORT NOTICE!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Islam Youssef def. Benyamin Ghahreman via second-round KO (flying kick)