Xavier Alaoui pressures his way to decision victory and into last Bantamweight Tournament Semifinals slot

Xavier Alaoui was highly successful as an amateur, going 11-1 with three titles (two at bantamweight and one at featherweight). Now, the Tristar Gym product, a black belt in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has found success as a pro, becoming a two-time regional bantamweight champion and going 7-0 with four finishes.

Ziad Ayman comes into tonight with a six-fight win streak, having not dropped a pro fight since losing his professional debut. Ayman, who trains at S & B Academy with 2024 PFL MENA Finalist Islam Reda, has scored four victories via submission, two of which have come in round one. Ayman most recently fought a PFL MENA almost exactly a year ago, defeating Hadi Omar Al Hussaini.

Who will advance to the PFL MENA Bantamweight Tournament Semifinals?

Round 1

Both flashing their hands. One-two from Alaoui. Low kick thrown by Alaoui. Front kick from Ayman. Right hand from Ayman. Left hand missed by Alaoui. Low kick missed by Alaoui. Right hand from Ayman, followed by a low kick. Left hand from Ayman. A couple of strong right hands from Alaoui. Low kick from Alaoui trips up Ayman. Ayman catches a body kick and lands an overhand. Ayman gets to the back, and Alaoui runs over to the fence. Ref warns Alaoui for grabbing the cage. Ayman working on Alaoui’s side against the fence, trying to get him down fully.

Alaoui spins back into position, and he reverses things, getting Ayman to the fence. Alaoui landing a pair of knees to the legs. Right hand from Ayman. Low kick from Ayman. A pair of right hands from Alaoui. Leg kick from Alaoui. Alaoui misses a straight right. Low kick from Ayman. Alaoui shoots in and scores the takedown. Alaoui lands some rights and gets to Ayman’s back. Ayman gets to his feet. Alaoui tries to sweep the leg out, but Ayman turns himself around. Alaoui nearly gets the takedown. Ayman warned for his hands being in the fence. Alaoui with a strong left, narrowly missing, before the end of the round.

Round 2

Low kick and a high kick from Ayman. Another low kick. Another kick from Ayman. Alaoui misses a low kick. Right hand from Ayman. Low kick and a right from Ayman. Front kick from Ayman. Right hand from Alaoui that just misses, and he presses Ayman into the fence. Knee by Alaoui. Alaoui with a knee. Alaoui with a takedown; he’s now on top in the half guard position.

Elbow from Alaoui. Right hands from Alaoui. Alaoui appears to have an arm on Ayman’s neck. Alaoui warned about kneeing a grounded fighter to the head. Alaoui might be setting up a guillotine choke. Alaoui has a front headlock. He doesn’t have it; Ayman changes the angle and escapes. Clinch battle against the fence now. Alaoui pins down Ayman’s legs. Alaoui continuing to pressure from top position. Alaoui has his arms around Ayman’s neck again, going for the guillotine once more. Ayman defending it well. Alaoui ends the round on top.

Round 3

Low kick from Alaoui. Left hand from Alaoui. Alaoui blocks a kick and a right hand. Kick-hook combination doesn’t work again from Ayman. Ayman lands a kick and uppercut. Left hand from Ayman. Left hand from Ayman. Referee calls for more action. Combination by Ayman. Counterpunch by Alaoui. One-two by Alaoui. Right hand by Ayman. One-two by Ayman, and Alaoui responds. Alaoui pushes Ayman into the fence again.

Alaoui scores the takedown. Right hands from Ayman to Alaoui’s face. Alaoui pressing him down, staying on top of him with two minutes to go. Alaoui works his way into full mount; he just has to posture up. Alaoui has the legs hooked and keeping him down. Alaoui looking for an Americana. Ayman gives up his back trying to respond. Alaoui tries to flatten and finish him. Ref warns Alaoui for punches to the back of the head. Ayman’s back is to the mat again. Left hands from Alaoui. Alaoui appears to be pressuring the neck of Ayman with his shoulder. Left hands from Alaoui, and Ayman gives his back up again. Some more shots from Alaoui. Alaoui pressing on the head, lands some more before the final bell.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Xavier Alaoui def. Ziad Ayman via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)