Takedowns, grappling control leads Yanis Ghemmouri to dominant performance and PFL MENA Finals spot

Izzeddine Al Derbani has racked up gold on the regional scene, having been a multiple-time regional Sanda, Muay Thai and kickboxing champion, as well as having won regional MMA gold previously. He enters tonight 15-5, with seven finishes to his name. He last fought in December 2024, getting submitted by Omar Solomanov.

After over a year away from action, Yanis Ghemmouri finally makes his PFL debut tonight. Ghemmouri is a well-traveled 12-3 fighter, with seven finishes and regional titles at both bantamweight and featherweight, as well as being a French K-1 Kickboxing champion. He last fought in June 2024, losing to the up-and-coming Payton Talbott.

This bout was originally scheduled for the First Round matchups in May before Izzeddine Al Derbani fell ill. Now, one of these two will claim a spot in the Featherweight Final as the night in Riyadh gets underway.

Round 1

Both men go to the center and feint. Low kicks from Ghemmouri to start. Ghemmouri with low kicks. Right hand from Al Derbani. Ghemmouri catches a body kick, and he scores a takedown. Al Derbani brings himself over to the fence, but Ghemmouri places him back on his back. Al Derbani trying to land the right hand from the bottom.

Al Derbani gets back to his feet, as we have a battle for clinch control at the fence. Al Derbani has a guillotine grip here. Ghemmouri trips him and scores another takedown with about two minutes to go in the round. Al Derbani kicks him off and gets back to his feet with 90 seconds to go. Ghemmouri misses a high kick. He misses a side kick now. Right hand connects for Al Derbani. Uppercut by Al Derbani, and we have another clinch. A couple of knees from Al Derbani, but Ghemmouri brings this back to the floor with a sweep. He ends the round on top, landing a couple of elbows.

Round 2

Low kick exchange to start things. A high kick from Ghemmouri is blocked. Spinning backfist from Ghemmouri is missed. Front kick by Al Derbani. Al Derbani tries to pressure, but Ghemmouri counters with a takedown. Al Derbani with a Whizzer as Ghemmouri tries to take the back, but Ghemmouri brings this back down. Ghemmouri attacks the back again. Ghemmouri getting into a backpack position two minutes into the round. He appears to be searching for the rear-naked choke.

We’re back fully on the ground, and Ghemmouri has the body lock in. Al Derbani is trying to fight off the wrists. Al Derbani seems to get the body triangle loosened, but Ghemmouri locks it back in. Ghemmouri continues to search for the choke, but Al Derbani continues to try and fight it off. Some punching from Ghemmouri. Ghemmouri lets go of the body triangle as Al Derbani tries to turn, and Ghemmouri remains in top position. Al Derbani gets back to his feet, but he’s pressed against the cage. Ghemmouri attacks with some knees and remains in control as the round ends.

Round 3

Low kicks from Al Derbani. Ghemmouri keeping back, probably searching for a takedown again. Low kick from Ghemmouri. Al Derbani forward pressure, but Ghemmouri brings a couple of spinning attacks. Ghemmouri shoots in for another takedown attempt. Al Derbani lands elbows to the side of the head, but Ghemmouri is able to take him down. Al Derbani gets back up, and we have another struggle at the fence.

Ghemmouri continues to press and lands another takedown halfway through the round. Ghemmouri working in side control now. Al Derbani is trying to hip escape, but Ghemmouri has got a hold of the upper body, landing punches to the head. Ghemmouri in North-South control now. He lands punches to the body as the referee calls for more action. Ghemmouri moves to side control and lands punches. Knee to the side by Ghemmouri. A few right hands by Ghemmouri. Al Derbani tries to twist around, but Ghemmouri counters. Ghemmouri gets into full mount with 30 seconds left. Ghemmouri presses with some ground-and-pound. Ghemmouri makes a last-second armbar attempt, but he doesn’t get it! Nevertheless, a dominant showing from Ghemmouri!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Yanis Ghemmouri def. Izzeddine Al Derbani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2) in a Featherweight Semifinal Bout.