A grappling and jiu-jitsu specialist, Ali Taleb made his professional MMA debut in 2019, going on to claim regional bantamweight gold. After a successful PFL debut in 2022, Taleb competed in the inaugural PFL Europe season last year, losing in the semifinals to eventual champion Khurshed Kakhorov. Taleb is trying his hand now in the inaugural PFL MENA season, reaching tonight’s playoffs with a win over Nawras Abzakh at PFL MENA 1.
Jalal Al Daaja began his combat sports journey with Taekwondo before moving on to boxing, where he went on to become a national champion. Also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Daaja has scored seven of his victories with a stoppage. Daaja lost to Tariq Ismail at PFL MENA 1 but returned to the competition after Ismail missed weight for that fight.
Who will move on to face Rachid El Hazoume for the PFL MENA bantamweight title?
Round 1
Daaja with a low kick that doesn’t connect. Daaja lands a leg kick. Taleb the fighter on the front foot here. Low kick from Daaja. Taleb presses Daaja against the fence. Knee from Taleb lands low. Taleb with a strong combination when the fight resumes. Round kick by Daaja. One-two by Daaja. High kick from Daaja. Round kick to the body by Daaja. Low kick from Taleb. Another one. Kick from Daaja. Another kick from Daaja that lands on the body. Right hand from Daaja. Uppercut from Taleb. Low kick from Daaja. Low kick from Taleb. High kick from Daaja. One-two from Taleb and Daaja is OUT COLD! WHAT A KNOCKOUT!
Ali Taleb sends a statement as moves on to the PFL MENA Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Ali Taleb defeats Jalal Al Daaja by 1st Round knockout (2:18) in a PFL MENA Bantamweight Semifinal bout to advance to the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. He will face Rachid El Hazoume in the Bantamweight final.
