MMA – BAHRAIN’S mixed martial arts (MMA) star Hamad Marhoon is set to feature on the stacked card of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Mena: Pride of Arabia fight night, taking place Sunday next week in Dubai, the UAE.
Marhoon will be going up against Saher Qasmieh from Jordan in a flyweight showcase bout.
The KHK MMA team member is upbeat ahead of his contest. It will be his second in the PFL following a successful professional debut in December of last year, and its significance goes beyond the cage.
“Representing Bahrain on an international platform like PFL means a lot more to me than just fighting,” Marhoon told the GDN.
“Every time I compete, I feel that I’m carrying the dreams, ambitions, and pride of an entire nation on my shoulders. I’m not fighting only for myself – I’m fighting for everyone back home who believes in me, supports me, and wants to see Bahraini athletes succeed on the world stage. That responsibility motivates me every single day and pushes me to work even harder.”
Marhoon has been preparing diligently with his team for the upcoming fight – physically, mentally, and tactically.
“This training camp was different for me in many ways,” he explained. “We focused heavily on being smarter inside the cage, especially during sparring sessions and fight preparation.
“It wasn’t only about physical intensity this time – it was about making better decisions, improving my fight IQ, and understanding how to control different situations during the fight.
“I truly believe that intelligence and discipline will make the biggest difference in this match-up.”
Marhoon expressed his respect for Qasmieh, who is also undefeated professionally with two wins from as many outings.
“My opponent is a good fighter and I respect his abilities, especially his grappling,” said Marhoon. “He has strong points, but like every fighter, he also has weaknesses, and we’ve been studying those carefully throughout the camp.
“We have our strategy, and we’re prepared for different scenarios inside the cage. At this level, details matter, and we’re ready to take advantage of every opportunity.”
Marhoon believes he has learned a lot since making his maiden pro appearance in the cage only a few months ago in a catchweight showcase bout at the PFL Mena Finals: All or Nothing, held in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. There, he defeated Oualid Gounaine from Morocco with a guillotine choke submission in the first round.
“Fans are definitely going to see a different version of me in this fight,” Marhoon said. “I believe every fight should show growth, maturity, and evolution.
“I’m entering this match-up with more confidence, more freedom, and a stronger mindset than before.
“I always look to finish fights when the opportunity is there, but at the same time, fighting smart and staying composed is extremely important at this level.”
Marhoon was supported in that clash by Bahrain’s MMA national team head coach Eldar Khan and fellow-Bahraini MMA star Hamza Kooheji, who will also be stepping into the cage in Dubai on Sunday in a PFL Mena featherweight tournament quarter-final against Moroccan Taha Bendaoud.
Marhoon says he is honoured to be sharing the card with Kooheji, who he has looked up to in his MMA career.
“One of the biggest influences on my journey has been Hamza Kooheji,” Marhoon said. “His experience, mindset, and achievements inspired me a lot growing up.
“Watching his journey motivated me to believe that fighters from Bahrain and the region can compete internationally and succeed at the highest levels.”
PFL Mena: Pride of Arabia will feature athletes representing 11 nations from across the region, highlighting the depth and unity of MMA in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))