Mohamed Zarey works with pressure to reach Welterweight Tournament Semifinals

Mohamed Zarey moved from Iraq to Norway in his 20s and found success in his new country, becoming a Norwegian National Grappling Champion and Nordic Grappling Champion. The 9-1 fighter is on a four-fight win streak and has scored seven finishes. Zarey last fought in April, scoring a first-round submission of Veselin Dimitrov.

Ayman Galal has found great success in Wushu Sanda, becoming a nine-time African champion, three-time Arab champion, four-time World Cup champion, and four-time World champion. The striking specialist has four wins in MMA thus far, three of which have come via stoppage. He most recently fought in October, submitting Mahmoud Abdel Maaboud.

Who will go on to the semifinals of this year’s PFL MENA Welterweight Tournament?

Round 1

The two squaring off in the center. Neither man throwing in the first 30 seconds. The two just circling right now. Zarey with a low kick that misses. Zarey with a spinning hook kick. Zarey with a low kick. Galal throws a knee. Zarey comes in with a left. Galal with a right. Low kick from Galal. And another. Strong high kick from Zarey is caught and blocked by Galal. Right hand from Zarey slips both men.

Right hand from Zarey. Left hook and a spinning hook from Zarey. High kick from Zarey is blocked. Zarey continuing to come forward. Left hand, followed by a spinning back kick to the body by Galal. Galal with a low kick. Left hook by Zarey. Left hand from Zalal. Left hand misses. Galal comes forward with a left, but Zarey lands a left. Galal lands a big left hook before the bell that seems to stun Zarey!

Round 2

Left hand missed for Galal. Kick from Galal. Strong right hand from Galal that catches Zarey’s attention. Zarey lands a right hook. Zarey misses a kick as Galal moves around with speed. Low kick from Galal. Galal with a hook. Zarey’s high kick attempt is blocked. Left hand from Galal. Galal comes in with a spin. Left hand from Zarey. Left hands from both men. Strong one-two from Zarey on an exchange.

Zarey backing Galal down. Zarey with a left. Right hand and a left from Zarey. Zarey with a big body kick. Galal comes in with a body kick. High kick from Zarey. Left hand from Zarey. Left hand from Zarey catches Galal trying to speed by. Leg kick with some power from Galal. Right hand from Zarey, left hand from Galal. Front kick by Zarey connects. Galal comes running in with a hammerfist, and Zarey scores a takedown, ending the round in side control.

Round 3

A pair of left hands from Galal, but Zarey drops him with a left of his own! Zarey lands a right hand as Galal gets back up. Galal throws a right, but Zarey ducks, nearly lands a right, and he goes in and gets a takedown! Zarey in side control with the pair right by the fence. Zarey with some ground-and-pound with his left hand. Zarey with some more left hand shots. Zarey working in half-guard, from up top. Zarey looking to transition his way into full mount but it’s difficult with the positioning.

Some more top pressure from Zarey. Galal not able to do much to combat against Zarey’s pressure. Galal gets an arm around the body and tries to force his way out. Galal tries to roll out, but Zarey counters the transition. Zarey working from up top in the open guard, and he gets himself back into side control. Right hands from Zarey. Galal tries to use the fence to elevate himself, but Zarey gets him away from the fence. Zarey keeps a gold of Galal with some last ground-and-pound until the bell.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Mohamed Zarey def. Ayman Galal via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)