The Professional Fighters League (PFL) delivered a night to remember at King Saud University in Riyadh, where 10 champions were crowned in the 2024 Global and MENA Seasons. This historic event, held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SMMAF), further solidified PFL’s status as a global leader in mixed martial arts.
Timur Khizriev Claims Featherweight Gold
In the main event, Timur Khizriev (18-0) continued his unbeaten streak, defeating 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion Brendan Loughnane (30-6) via unanimous decision. Khizriev’s elite grappling and relentless pace secured him the title, making him the fourth Russian PFL champion in 2024.
![Timur Khizriev [PFL photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241130003638-PFL_20241130__JP11258_-scaled.jpg)
Dakota Ditcheva’s Meteoric Rise
The co-main event featured Dakota Ditcheva (14-0), who capped off a flawless season by claiming the Women’s Flyweight title. The 26-year-old showcased her dominance by finishing Talia Santos (22-4), marking her fourth straight finish of the season.
![Dakota Ditcheva [PFL photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241129234717-PFL_20241129__I1A3522_-scaled.jpg)
Dovletzhan Yagshimuradov Shines for Turkmenistan
Another standout performance came from Dovletzhan Yagshimuradov (25-7-1), who shocked Impa Kasanganay (18-5) with a 58-second knockout. Yagshimuradov’s victory brought the first major MMA championship to Turkmenistan.
Saudi Arabia’s MMA Stars Rise in MENA Championships
The inaugural PFL MENA Season delivered thrilling moments, with Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Qahtani (10-2) earning the Featherweight Championship in front of a roaring home crowd. Meanwhile, Omar El Dafrawy (13-6) clinched the Welterweight title with a stunning finish over Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1).
A Record-Breaking Night for PFL
The event was more than a showcase of world-class talent. It marked PFL’s expansion into Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom becoming the 36th host nation for the promotion. The partnership between PFL and SMMAF signals a bright future for MMA in the region.
With fighters like Shamil Musaev, Gadzhi Rabadanov, and Denis Goltsov adding to the excitement, the 2024 PFL Global and MENA Seasons left an indelible mark on the sport.
