After a 5-1 run as an amateur, picking up amateur gold along the way, Taha Bendaoud is now 4-0 thus far as a pro. “The Atlas Lion” has scored submissions in two of those victories. Bendaoud made his PFL debut at the Battle of the Giants card back in October, defeating Tariq Ismail.
After Abdelrahman Alhyasat was forced out due to issues with the scales, Drissi Boualem has been thrusted into a major opportunity, going from alternate bout participant to full-on tournament combatant. A two-time Muay Thai champion, Boualem is a perfect 3-0 thus far, with two knockouts and a submission. Boualem last fought in December, quickly putting away Gameche Nazim.
Who will secure a spot in the PFL MENA Featherweight Tournament Semifinals here?
Round 1
Bendaoud with a series of leg kicks to start things off. Bendaoud reaches and ends up on his back. Bendaoud reverses the positioning on the ground, however, and he ends up on top. Bendaoud is on top in half guard. Boualem tries to bring himself over to the fence. Bendaoud gets both legs above the hips now, and he appears to be in full mount. He’s postured up now. Boualem trying to use the fence to help him escape. He does so, and a scramble results in Boualem ending up on top. Bendaoud threatens a triangle, however! It looks tight! We’ve got a tap!
Just like that, Taha Bendaoud easily scores the finish and moves on to the PFL MENA Featherweight Tournament Semifinals to face Islam Reda!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Taha Bendaoud defeats Boualem Drissi by 1st round submission (triangle choke, 2:07) in a PFL MENA Featherweight Tournament fight, advancing to the semifinals, where he’ll face Islam Reda.
Bendaoud remains undefeated at 5-0 with his 3rd submission
Bendaoud fights out of Kenitra, Morocco and is nicknamed “The Atlas Lion”
Bendaoud has a strong amateur Muay Thai background (19 wins, 1 loss)
