In a thrilling heavyweight main event at PFL Africa: Casablanca on October 10, Abdoulaye Kane showcased his striking prowess by defeating Badr "Dastan" Medkouri with a first-round TKO. This exhilarating bout took place at the iconic Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, Morocco, where the Senegalese fighter delivered a stunning performance, effectively spoiling Medkouri's homecoming celebration. With this victory, Kane improved his professional record to 6 wins and 2 losses, while Medkouri fell to 9 wins and 4 losses.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) made a significant mark with its debut in North Africa, presenting an electrifying card filled with tournament semifinals and showcase matches. Kane set the pace right from the start, utilizing powerful kicks and controlling the bout's tempo before decisively taking the fight to the ground. He secured the win at 4:06 of the first round, delivering punches from full mount that left Medkouri unable to continue.
After the fight, Kane expressed his deep connection to Morocco, stating, "Winning the main event of PFL Africa in Casablanca is a moment I will never forget. This victory means so much more to me than just having my hand raised inside the cage. Morocco is my home, the country that welcomed me, supported me, and gave me the strength to keep chasing my dreams. To fight here, in front of my people, and come out victorious is an incredible feeling." He emphasized the importance of his supporters, attributing his success to the years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief of those around him. Kane’s victory, he noted, is not just his own but belongs to everyone who has guided him throughout his journey.
The event also featured other notable matchups, including Yanis Ghemmouri's unanimous decision win over Morocco’s Taha Bendaoud in the featherweight co-main event, with all judges scoring the fight 30-27. In the welterweight tournament, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança secured a quick victory against South Africa’s Peace Nguphane, finishing the fight with punches just over a minute into the first round. David Samuel continued his unbeaten streak, defeating Rivaldo Pereira by unanimous decision. These results set the stage for the upcoming PFL Africa finals, with Esperança and Samuel set to clash for the welterweight title.
In the lightweight semifinals, Patrick Ocheme advanced by stopping Cornel Thompson with a body kick, while Demba Seck’s bout against Hussain Al Kurdi ended in a no-contest due to an accidental groin strike. Seck will now face Ocheme in the lightweight final. In bantamweight action, Liberia’s Dwight Joseph edged out Boule Godogo in a closely contested split decision, setting him up for a final bout against Raphael Uchegbu, who advanced after his opponent missed weight. The event was rich with action, including Reda Abdellaoui submitting Salim Mhamdi in a bantamweight matchup and a series of unanimous decision victories that highlighted the competitive spirit of the fighters.
As reported by sportsbytes.com.ph.
