Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Professional Fighters League Middle East and North Africa (PFL MENA) welterweight title bout, as Omar El Dafrawy and Mohammed Al Aqraa prepare to face off in the highly anticipated clash. The two rivals with dominant playoff performances will meet in the smartcage on November 29 at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh. For these fighters, the stakes go beyond belts or accolades—it’s personal, even if they play it down.
Egypt’s Omar El Dafrawy enters the fight with a chip on his shoulder. The 29-year-old, who trains in Bali, has risen through the ranks of the MMA world with a series of commanding victories. Yet, this bout carries a personal edge. His last loss came at the hands of Mohammed Al Aqraa, the man standing in his way to the title.
“I don’t fear any fighter, whether it’s Al Aqraa or anyone else,” El Dafrawy declared.
Coming off a stunning knockout of Jordanian star Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi in the playoffs, El Dafrawy emphasised his approach.
“There is no arrogance in defeating Al Silawi, the top contender. I just follow the game plan set by my coaching staff. I’m used to stepping into the cage and doing what’s needed,” he said.
While acknowledging Al Aqraa’s skill, El Dafrawy warned his opponent to expect a different fighter this time.
“I wasn’t mentally ready when we last fought. I was dealing with personal issues. Everything is different now, and I’m ready to give my best. I hope he’s ready to do the same,” he added.
However, El Dafrawy called out Al Aqraa for alleged dirty tactics.
“My issue with Al Aqraa is he strikes behind the head, and I hope he doesn’t do that again. If he pushes me in the face, I’ll slap him back. I don’t talk much—I act. And this time, I will defeat him to claim the title.”
Beyond bragging rights, the fighters compete for the inaugural PFL MENA Championship belt, a $100,000 prize, and a chance to contend for the PFL World Championship.
The clash promises intense drama with both fighters at their peak.
For Kuwaiti fighter Mohammed Al Aqraa, the fight isn’t just about settling old scores; it’s about his legacy and cementing his status as the greatest in the region. Training at the renowned Nurmagomedov school in Dagestan, Al Aqraa remains confident he is the best Arab MMA fighter.
“Winning the PFL MENA title is the beginning of my journey to global success. To compete on the world stage, I need to dominate the Arab world,” he said.
“Omar has improved since our last fight, but so have I. There’s a significant difference between us in terms of skill and tactics. I am confident no fighter in the Arab world can beat me, and I’ll finish him more dominantly this time,” Al Aqraa stated.
He also addressed El Dafrawy’s accusations of illegal strikes, brushing them aside with a quick jibe of his to El Dafrawy, who he declared hasn’t beaten strong fighters yet.
“I’ll finish him with a knockout. You will never become a champion; stop dreaming.
“I do not strike behind the head, as Omar claims. If he’s so interested in rules, maybe he should get a refereeing certificate. After the fight, he can focus on that because the result will stay the same: Al Aqraa is the Middle East champion and remains undefeated.”
