RIYADH: Saudi fighter Ahmed Albrahim is set to make his professional debut later this month when PFL MENA arrives in Dubai, with the welterweight determined to deliver a statement performance on one of the region’s biggest stages.
Albrahim will face Egypt’s Khaled Mahmoud at PFL MENA 9: Pride of Arabia on May 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Both fighters enter the bout at the start of their PFL journeys, adding further intrigue to the contest.
The event was originally scheduled to take place in Alkhobar earlier this month under the banner “Rise of the Gulf,” before being relocated to Dubai following a postponement.
For Albrahim, however, the changes have had little impact on his mindset.
He said: “The change of opponent doesn’t make any difference to me. I’m ready for anyone, and my goal is clear: I’m going in to win.”
The 29-year-old has spent the last four months preparing across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, training alongside Bahraini veteran Hamza Kooheji, who is also set to compete on the same card.
Albrahim said: “Training alongside Hamza Kooheji has had a big impact on me. He’s my role model and one of the main reasons I entered this sport.”
Albrahim’s journey into mixed martial arts has been anything but conventional. He began his sporting career as a football goalkeeper before moving into combat sports.
He said: “I started my journey in football … before moving into combat sports, and that’s where I found my true path.”
A strong grappling base underpins his style inside the cage. Albrahim is a former MCL Riyadh No-Gi champion and an ADCC Open Middle East silver medalist, credentials he showcased in his last outing at PFL MENA 4 in Alkhobar in December.
On that occasion he controlled Mohamed Nabil on the ground before securing a second-round TKO victory via hammer-fists, giving him some momentum heading into his professional debut.
“I’m aiming to finish the fight. I believe I can end it by submission, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” Albrahim said.
Despite some social media tension surrounding the bout, Albrahim is quick to emphasize unity across the region.
He said: “Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and all Arab nations are brothers. This is competition, but it’s built on respect.”
Competing in Dubai carries added significance for the Saudi fighter, who sees the bout as a defining moment in his career.
He said: “This is a very important moment in my career. Fighting in Dubai and representing Saudi Arabia on this stage makes me proud.
“I feel fully prepared for this fight after months of hard training. I’ve pushed myself physically and mentally, and I’m ready to perform at my best.”
