Islam Youssef Delivers Spectacular Flying Kick Knockout in PFL MENA Debut Despite Weight Miss

Islam Youssef made an unforgettable first impression in his PFL MENA debut, producing one of the most astonishing knockouts in recent memory. Competing in the bantamweight quarterfinals of the inaugural PFL MENA season, Youssef showcased his explosive striking ability with a highlight-reel finish that immediately caught the attention of MMA fans worldwide.

Facing Benyamin Ghahreman on Friday, Youssef turned what was already a high-stakes tournament bout into a viral moment. Early in the second round, with Ghahreman trying to create distance and recover from earlier exchanges, Youssef pursued him relentlessly. Sensing the opportunity for a spectacular finish, he launched into the air and landed a perfectly timed flying kick to Ghahreman’s head just as his opponent tried to circle away from the cage. The brutal impact sent Ghahreman crashing to the canvas.

Without missing a beat, Youssef followed up with three crushing hammer fists before the referee stepped in to halt the action at 3:56 of Round 2, sealing the knockout victory and advancing him to the semifinals of the PFL MENA 135-pound tournament.

What makes Youssef’s performance even more impressive is the fact that he did so despite missing weight, coming in at 137.3 pounds—1.3 pounds over the bantamweight limit—during the official weigh-ins on Thursday. Normally, a weight miss could cast a shadow over a fighter’s performance, but Youssef’s devastating finish helped redirect attention to his in-cage dominance.

The quote perfectly sums up the pressure Youssef applied before delivering the show-stopping blow. His aggressive approach and ability to cut off the cage left Ghahreman with nowhere to go, setting up the perfect storm for the flying kick finish.

With the win, Islam Youssef improves his professional record to 6-2, extending his win streak to five consecutive victories since his last loss in 2021. The 27-year-old has quietly built momentum on the regional scene, and with this electric debut under the PFL banner, he now looks like a genuine contender in the newly launched PFL MENA league.

Youssef’s knockout not only boosts his profile but also adds excitement to the PFL’s expansion into the Middle East and North Africa region. The PFL MENA league aims to provide a platform for local talent and future global stars, and performances like Youssef’s underscore just how much potential lies within this emerging circuit.

As he advances to the semifinal round, all eyes will be on Youssef to see if he can replicate—or even top—his jaw-dropping debut. His combination of raw power, aggressive fight IQ, and unorthodox striking makes him one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the tournament going forward.