For the last four years, Malik Basahel has built a name for himself on the regional scene with 17 wins in 20 amateur fights. Last year was a busy one for Basahel, who competed in the 2023 Saudi Games and the IMMAF Asian Championships. Basahel, an IMMAF silver medalist and a three-time amateur flyweight champion, has 12 finishes to his name, including eight submissions.

 

Since making his amateur debut in July 2022, 19-year-old Vinicius Pereira has won all five of his fights thus far, racking up four wins in the process. The freestyle wrestling specialist, who has three submission wins, most recently fought in November, scoring a submission over Kelvin Fernandes.

 

Which amateur fighter will make a big impression in both men’s first opportunities on a global stage?

 

 

Round 1

 

The two young men feeling each other out in the SmartCage. Basahel throws a leg kick. Basahel shoots for a double-leg takedown and gets it. Pereira trips up Basahel, however, and gets back to the feet. Basahel shoots and scores another takedown. Basahel tries to transition and improve his position, but Pereira puts up his guard, doing a good job of limiting Basahel’s offense. Basahel tries to pressure Pereira and move toward mount. Pereira keeping Basahel in his guard. Basahel trying to explode and get into a side position. Pereira gets back to his feet before the bell.

 

 

Round 2

 

Combination by Basahel, but Pereira answers with a right hand. Basahel throws a high kick and follows it with another takedown. Pereira sweeps and scores a body lock. Pereira works Basahel over some more on the ground and Basahel gives up his back. Pereira looks for the choke. Basahel tries to return his back to the mat, but Pereira is keeping a strong hold of a body triangle. Basahel nearly turns over, but Pereira fights his efforts off. Basahel successfully turns over with about 15 seconds left in the round and gets in Pereira’s guard. Basahel fires off some offense before the bell.

 

 

 

Round 3

 

Low kick by Basahel after some circling from both men. Basahel lands a body kick. Basahel throws a hook and uses it to score another takedown. Pereira tries to work with his guard again, looking for an armbar. Pereira then looks for a foot lock, but Basahel avoids it. Basahel scores another takedown. Pereira gets back to the feet, only for Basahel to take him down once more. The fight returns to the feet in the closing seconds, with both men throwing, only for one last takedown from Basahel.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Malik “The Storm” Basahel defeats Vinicius Pereira by unanimous decision in an amateur showcase bout (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)