Abdoulaye Kane stopped Badr “Dastan” Medkouri with a first-round TKO in the heavyweight main event of PFL Africa: Casablanca on October 10. The Senegalese fighter spoiled the hometown headliner’s night at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) made its North Africa debut with a card of tournament semifinals and showcase bouts. Kane finished the fight at 4:06 of round 1 with punches from full mount, improving to 6-2.

Kane set the tone with heavy kicks and controlled the opening round before taking the fight to the ground. Medkouri fell to 9-4 in front of his home crowd.

Kane Says Morocco Is Home After Casablanca Win

Kane spoke about his bond with Morocco after the win. He said: “Winning the main event of PFL Africa in Casablanca is a moment I will never forget. This victory means so much more to me than just having my hand raised inside the cage.

“Morocco is my home, the country that welcomed me, supported me, and gave me the strength to keep chasing my dreams. To fight here, in front of my people, and come out victorious is an incredible feeling.

“I came into this fight knowing the responsibility I was carrying on my shoulders. I wanted to show everyone the result of years of sacrifice, hard work, discipline, and dedication.

“Every training session, every difficult moment, and every sacrifice brought me to this night. I want to thank my coaches, my team, my family, and everyone who has believed in me since day one.

“Your support gives me the motivation to keep pushing my limits and becoming a better fighter every single day. This victory is not only mine.

“It belongs to everyone who stood behind me and believed in my journey. Winning in Casablanca makes it even more special.”

PFL Africa Finals Set After Semifinal Results

Yanis Ghemmouri won the featherweight co-main event by unanimous decision over Morocco’s Taha Bendaoud, with all three judges scoring it 30-27. The two traded kicks and takedowns early before Ghemmouri’s counter-striking and top control took over.

In the welterweight tournament, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança stopped South Africa’s Peace Nguphane with punches at 1:03 of round 1. David Samuel also advanced, beating Rivaldo Pereira by unanimous decision to stay unbeaten at 7-0.

Esperança and Samuel will meet in the welterweight final. The two shared a face-off in the cage after the semifinals.

In the lightweight semifinals, Patrick Ocheme stopped Cornel Thompson with a body kick at 2:46 of round 1. The other semifinal, between Demba Seck and Hussain Al Kurdi, ended in a no-contest at 0:37 of round 1 due to an accidental groin strike.

Seck advances to face Ocheme in the lightweight final. Al Kurdi entered the bout unbeaten at 3-0.

Liberia’s Dwight Joseph beat Boule Godogo by split decision, with scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29, to reach the bantamweight final. He will face Raphael Uchegbu, who advanced after his semifinal opponent missed weight and could not compete.

Elsewhere on the card, Reda Abdellaoui submitted Salim Mhamdi with a rear-naked choke at 2:11 of round 1 in a bantamweight bout. Mouhamed Ba beat Yabna N’Tchala by unanimous decision in a welterweight contest.

Jane Osigwe defeated Sanaa Mandar by unanimous decision at a 132-pound catchweight. Abderrahman Errachidy also won by unanimous decision, beating Oussama El Idrissi at lightweight.