Pouya Rahmani scores cracking first-round KO in battle of undefeated heavyweights

A wrestling specialist, Pouya Rahmani has found great success on the grappling scene, winning gold at the Abu Dhabi Grappling World Championships this year, in addition to AJP Gi and No-Gi tournament championships and beach wrestling world championships. Rahmani was also an Iranian national wrestling champion, spending about a decade with the country’s national wrestling team. Rahmani is 4-0 in MMA so far, coming into tonight off a submission win over Salimgerey Rasulov in September 2024.

Slim Trabelsi is also a decorated wrestler, having won gold in the African Championship and Mediterranean Championship, as well as the African Games. He is 8-0 in MMA so far, which includes a regional heavyweight title and a 2-0 record in Bellator. Trabelsi fought at the 2024 PFL World Championships in November of that year, earning a decision over Abraham Bably.

Rahmani was victorious when these two heavyweights faced off in a grappling match back in May. Now, who will get the win inside the PFL SmartCage?

Round 1

Trabelsi flashes the jab here. Trabelsi moving around on the outside. Left hand from Rahmani. Rahmani with another left. Trabelsi flashes the speedy jab. Trabelsi with a left jab. Trabelsi with a one-two that is missed. Left hand lands for Trabelsi. Both miss hooks. Trabelsi lands an uppercut, and Rahmani comes back with a right hand. Left hands from Trabelsi. A couple of left hands from Trabelsi.

A flurry of punches from Rahmani connects, slipping up Trabelsi. Trabelsi is back on his feet but retreating. Rahmani connects on a right hand! Trabelsi goes down! Rahmani with some ground-and-pound, and this one is done!

POUYA RAHMANI IN THE FIRST ROUND! 😱🔥 #RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/zIpPoeuvow

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025

Strong first-round finish from Pouya Rahmani!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Pouya Rahmani defeats Slim Trabelsi by 1st round TKO (2:47) in a Heavyweight Showcase Bout.