Nawras Abzakh uses takedowns and top control to land decision and PFL MENA Finals spot

After coming up short to eventual champion Ali Taleb during last year’s tournament, Nawras Abzakh now looks to make his own way into a PFL MENA title fight. A former regional MMA champion at both flyweight and bantamweight, Abzakh has finishes in nine of his 13 victories, most of which have come by submission. Abzakh scored a knockout in his first-round matchup, however, taking care of business against Ali Yazbeck.

Mokhtar Benkaci first tasted PFL tournament experience through his fill-in role during the 2023 PFL Europe season, and he now finds himself a fight away from competing for PFL MENA gold. Benkaci, who is the No. 2 ranked bantamweight in France, has won five straight and has 21 finishes to his credit. He needed just 57 seconds to put away Marcel Adur in their first-round matchup in July.

Who will clinch the first spot in this year’s PFL MENA bantamweight title bout?

Round 1

Abzakh works the jab to start things. Abzakh is coming with forward pressure already. The two swing as Abzakh presses Benkaci toward the fence. Abzakh level changes and looks for a takedown. He gets it despite Benkaci’s defensive grip. Benkaci is warned for grabbing the fence as Abzakh keeps him down. Abzakh trying to work in Benkaci’s closed guard. Abzakh landing punches to the head. Benkaci tries to land to the side of Abzakh’s head.

Benkaci throws up his legs, but Abzakh easily avoids the triangle attempt, remaining on top. Abzakh continues to land from the top. Benkaci is trying to give as much offensive production as he can, but he’s not progressing the position. Abzakh lands a couple of inside shots as he grinds things out on top throughout this opening frame. Benkaci with an elbow before the bell.

Round 2

Front kick from Benkaci and a one-two from Abzakh. Low kick by Abzakh. Strong right hand and a knee by Abzakh. Abzakh level changes again and scores another takedown. Benkaci quickly gets back to his feet, but Abzakh continues to hold him against the fence. Abzakh scores another takedown. Benkaci tries to wrap one of Abzakh’s legs up with his own, but it’s not limiting Abzakh’s offense from the top. Benkaci trying to control Abzakh’s limbs, but Abzakh gets into a side control and is landing well.

Benkaci is still on his back, unable to get his way around Abzakh’s arms. Benkaci landing some inside elbows from the bottom. Abzakh continues to keep control. Benkaci sits himself up against the fence, trying to work his way back up, but Abzakh keeps a hold of him. Benkaci works his way back to a standing position with about 40 seconds left. Abzakh with left jabs. Front kick by Benkaci. Benkaci with a left hook as he tries to pressure Abzakh. Right hand from Abzakh. Knee and a pair of left hands from Benkaci.

Round 3

Left hands from both men to start. Left hand by Abzakh. Combination by Benkaci. Low kick from Abzakh, and Benkaci answers with a one-two. Abzakh with a takedown, and Benkaci is back on his back. Elbows from Benkaci from the bottom. Benkaci doesn’t have his guard up this time, though. Abzakh trying to land with the right hand. The referee calls for more progress. Abzakh on his feet, trying to stack briefly as he lands shots. He goes back down. The referee calls a timeout, claiming Benkaci’s elbows landed to the back of the head – and replay shows one of them might have. The referee gives a one-point deduction to Benkaci.

Abzakh is given the position back as the fight resumes, and he continues to work his pressure from up top. The referee asks for more progress in the position again. Benkaci tries to escape, but Abzakh re-establishes the position. A couple of more elbows from Benkaci. Abzakh is back to his feet, keeping a hold of the legs. Benkaci tries to keep him at bay with his legs. Abzakh now back to the mat. Abzakh landing body shots.The referee stands the two up with just over a minute left. Benkaci lands a combination and shoves off a takedown attempt. Left jab by Abzakh. Benkaci goes for a clinch, and Abzakh falls to the floor. Abzakh goes for another takedown, but Benkaci fights it off, as he lands elbows. Abzakh scores a takedown, and Benkaci scrambles for a potential leg lock before the bell.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Nawras Abzakh def. Moktar Benkaci via unanimous decision (29-27 x2, 30-26) in a Bantamweight Semifinal Bout.