Emilios Dassi locks up Semifinals berth with powerful, frightening first-round KO

Before turning pro, Osvaldo Benedito found success as an amateur, going 5-0 and winning a 2022 All Africa IMMAF title. Benedito has yet to see beyond the first round, going 3-1 with three finishes. He last fought in June, submitting Kevin Pretorius.

Emilios Dassi joined the Francis Ngannou foundation gym in 2020, with Dassi crediting Ngannou’s rise in the sport as providing him and others the platform to join the sport. Dassi has yet to see the judges’ scorecards in five fights, going 4-1 with all four wins coming by knockout. He last fought in March, scoring a second-round finish of Jeremie Etiko.

Who will be the first to move on in the PFL Africa Welterweight Tournament?

Round 1

The two touch gloves. Dassi pushes forward with a combination. Front kick misses for him. Low kick by Benedito. Front kick misses for Benedito, but he catches a kick and scores a brief takedown. He pushes Dassi toward the fence, and we have a body lock battle. Dassi puts Benedito into the fence. Dassi scores a takedown. Benedito gets up but Dassi quickly takes him back down. Benedito throws up his guard, searching for a triangle. Right hands from Dassi from up top. The triangle might be tight, but Benedito gets out of it! He lands some strong punches until Benedito makes his way back to his feet. Right hand drops BENEDITO OUT COLD, SLUMPED AGAINST THE FENCE!!!

What a turn of events!

Emilios Dassi gets the first knockout after nearly being caught in a triangle! #PFLJoburg | LIVE NOW!
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— PFL Africa (@PFLAfrica) August 9, 2025

This night is insane! Emilios Dassi locks up a Semifinals spot with a statement!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Emilios Dassi defeats Osvaldo Benedito by 1st round KO (2:12) in the PFL Africa Welterweight (170) Tournament. Dassi will face the winner of Yabna N'tchala vs. Sanon Sadeck in the Semifinals.