The opening phase of the PFL MENA bantamweight tournament delivered an emphatic and unforgettable moment courtesy of Islam Youssef. Making his debut under the Professional Fighters League banner, Youssef wasted no time in announcing his presence with a spectacular knockout that instantly enters the conversation for highlight-reel finishes of the year.
Facing Benyamin Ghahreman in a quarterfinal bout, the fight reached its dramatic conclusion in the second round. As Ghahreman found himself under pressure and attempting to create distance by retreating towards the fence, Youssef maintained relentless pursuit. In a sudden, explosive sequence, Youssef launched himself forward, executing a precise flying strike. The timing was impeccable, catching Ghahreman mid-movement as he attempted to circle away.
The impact was decisive. The flying kick connected squarely with Ghahreman’s head, sending him immediately to the canvas. Demonstrating fight-ending instincts, Youssef followed up briefly with hammer fists on the grounded opponent before the referee intervened to stop the contest. The official time of the stoppage was 3:56 into Round 2.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Islam Youssef. Improving his professional record to 6-2, he has now secured five consecutive wins since his last defeat in 2021. More importantly, the dominant performance in his PFL debut propels him directly into the semifinals of the PFL MENA 135-pound tournament, positioning him as a serious contender for the regional title.
Notably, Youssef did miss weight for the contest, officially registering at 137.3 pounds the day prior, slightly over the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds. While this adds a peculiar asterisk to the win from a regulatory standpoint, it does not diminish the technical brilliance and conclusive nature of his in-cage performance.
In a division known for speed and technicality, Youssef`s ability to deliver such a definitive, highlight-generating finish in his very first PFL outing signals his intent and makes him a must-watch fighter as the tournament progresses. The flying kick knockout serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable and often spectacular nature of mixed martial arts.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley