Nawras Abzakh lands stunning knee to secure spot in bantamweight semifinals

With 18 fights to his credit, Nawras Abzakh is one of the more experienced Arab MMA fighters competing on tonight’s show. The former regional flyweight and bantamweight champion has scored finishes in eight of 12 wins, including seven submissions. Abzakh fought in last year’s tournament but lost to eventual champion Ali Taleb.

Ali Yazbeck is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt and a training partner of Taleb’s. The former European Shooto Amateur Tournament Champion is 5-0 with four finishes. His last bout came in May 2024, battling Mohamed Camara to a split draw.

Who will move on in the PFL MENA bantamweight bracket?

Round 1

Early leg kick from Abzakh. The two in an exchange early, with both men landing! Yazbeck now pins Abzakh to the fence. Abzakh spins him around. He looks for the takedown, and he’s able to get it. Abzakh works in the guard, trying to get into side control. Abzakh lands a few right hands to the head. Yazbeck trying to scramble away from the bottom. Abzakh with a series of left hands to the head of Yazbeck. Yazbeck trying to create space, but Abzakh is pressuring. Yazbeck gets to his feet, but Abzakh looks for a guillotine. Yazbeck scores the takedown. Abzakh still has control of the neck, however.

Yazbeck now in half guard, trying to work into a more dominant top position. Abzakh has butterfly hooks in, trying to set up sweeps. Yazbeck looks to open the guard of Abzakh, while Abzakh is searching for an armbar. A few punches from up top by Yazbeck. Abzakh tries to set up a triangle, but Yazbeck avoids it and starts working in full guard. Abzakh looks for a leg lock. He uses it for a sweep and gets on top. Yazbeck searches for a triangle – now an armbar! But Abzakh gets out of it! Yazbeck tries to create space from the bottom again. Abzakh landing some ground-and-pound. Abzakh with an elbow. And another. And another before the bell.

Round 2

Combination from Yazbeck. Left hand from Abzakh as they exchange. Two lefts and a right from Yazbeck. Big knee and a strong combination from Abzakh! Some ground-and-pound, and that’s it!

Just like that, Nawras Abzakh stops Ali Yazbeck and moves on in the tournament!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Nawras Abzakh def. Ali Yazbeck via second-round knockout (knee and punches)