PFL MENA 3 semifinal playoffs take place in Riyadh on Sept. 20 RIYADH: Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Saudi Arabia’s breakout MMA star, is laser-focused on capturing the inaugural PFL MENA featherweight title as he prepares for the semifinal playoffs in his hometown of Riyadh on Sept. 20. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Since joining the Professional Fighters League in 2023, the 27-year-old has proved a dominant force, winning his first two showcase fights and establishing himself as a rising star in the featherweight division. Al-Qahtani kicked off 2024 with more success, delivering a stunning knockout victory over Edukondala Rao at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event in Riyadh. The knockout win not only solidified his reputation but also made him a household name in Saudi Arabia’s MMA circles, propelling him into the spotlight as the face of PFL MENA. After his triumph at PFL MENA 1, Al-Qahtani secured a semifinal spot by dispatching Yazeed Hasanain. Now, he is set to face Jordan’s Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat in a high-stakes semifinal bout at PFL MENA 3 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Al-Qahtani, who is undefeated in the PFL at 4-0 and has a 9-1 career record, said he has been preparing meticulously for the fight. “I’m fighting Al-Hayassat on my home turf and in front of my crowd. “Naturally, I study my opponents thoroughly before every fight, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to devise the right strategy that will enable me to win and advance to the next round.” “I’ve prepared perfectly for this fight, and I’m confident in my ability to win and qualify for the final,” he added. “My focus is on the belt and winning the fight. My opponent’s statements about his ability to win won’t affect me. I know my capabilities well, just as I know his.” For Al-Qahtani, fighting in Riyadh adds an extra layer of motivation. “My goal is to entertain my supporters who always stand by me, and I won’t let them down. I’ll easily defeat my Jordanian opponent,” he promised.See the complete PFL MENA 3 semifinal fight card below: Featherweight: Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-1) vs. Abdelrahman Al-Hayassat (4-0) Welterweight: Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-6) vs. Omar El-Dafrawy (11-6) Welterweight: Mohammad Alaqraa (6-0) vs. Amir Fazli (6-2) Lightweight: Souhil Tairi (7-4-1) vs. Mohsen Mohammadseifi (5-1) Bantamweight: Ali Taleb (10-1) vs. Jalal Al-Daaja (11-8) Featherweight: Islam Reda (11-1) vs. Marouaune Bellagouit (5-0) Bantamweight: Elias Boudegzdame (19-8) vs. Rachid El-Hazoume (14-3) Lightweight: Georges Eid (9-4, 1 no contest) vs. Omar Reguigui (4-0, 1NC) Alternate featherweight showcase bout: Adam Meskini (8-3) vs. Yazeed Hasanain (3-1)