You are here

Professional Fighters League unveils new championship belts ahead of Riyadh event

PFL has revealed its new championship belts ahead of the 'Battle of Giants' event in Riyadh on Oct. 19. (Supplied/PFL)
PFL has revealed its new championship belts ahead of the 'Battle of Giants' event in Riyadh on Oct. 19. (Supplied/PFL)
Short Url

https://arab.news/6c4qp

Updated 14 October 2024
Arab News
Follow

Professional Fighters League unveils new championship belts ahead of Riyadh event

Professional Fighters League unveils new championship belts ahead of Riyadh event
  • Each belt contains 12.5 pounds of gold, a main plate with 10 sides in honor of the league’s SmartCage arena, and side plates celebrating each division
  • Francis “The Predator” Ngannou will take on Renan “Problema” Ferreira in the PFL Super Fight: Battle of the Giants main event at The Mayadeen on Oct. 19
Updated 14 October 2024
Arab News
Follow

RIYADH: The Saudi-backed Professional Fighters League unveiled its new world championship belts on Monday ahead of the PFL Super Fight: Battle of the Giants event in Riyadh on Oct. 19.

Each belt contains 12.5 pounds of gold, a main plate with 10 sides in honor of the league’s SmartCage arena, and side plates celebrating each division.

In the main event at The Mayadeen on Saturday, the undisputed MMA heavyweight champion of the world, Francis “The Predator” Ngannou (with a record of 17-3) will make his highly anticipated return to the cage for the first time in almost three years when he faces 6 feet 8 inch Renan “Problema” Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC), the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion, for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt.

The co-main event is another world-title fight, in which Cris Cyborg (27-2, 1 NC), widely considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, will put her legacy on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4).

Reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) will attempt to maintain his perfect record when he takes on Fabian Edwards (13-3) in a highly anticipated rematch. The main card also includes the return of former Bellator Featherweight World Champion A.J. McKee (22-1), who faces the surging Paul Hughes (12-1), a newcomer to the upper echelon of the lightweight division.

Topics: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Saudi Arabia Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Related

PFL announce stacked card for ‘Battle of the Giants’ in Riyadh
Sport
PFL announce stacked card for ‘Battle of the Giants’ in Riyadh
PFL MENA 3: Fighters battle for glory in night of shocking upsets
Sport
PFL MENA 3: Fighters battle for glory in night of shocking upsets

Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh

Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
Follow

Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh

Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh
  • The 7-time world champion attended the launch and played the first shot on the academy’s main table
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opened in Riyadh’s Boulevard City on Monday, with the seven-time world champion on hand to play the first shot on its main table.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, O’Sullivan was joined at the launch by leading figures from the Saudi sports sector, including Faisal Bafarat, CEO of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, and Nasser Al-Shammari, president of the Saudi Snooker Federation, who oversaw the inauguration ceremony.

O’Sullivan performed the inaugural shot at the academy’s main table. (Supplied)

The academy’s founders say it will offer snooker enthusiasts a dedicated space in which they can hone their skills and compete in local and international tournaments, with the wider aim of boosting the profile and development of the sport in the Kingdom.

The opening of the academy is in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 relating to the development of sport and youth development in the Kingdom, by helping to provide local players with the coaching and experience that can prepare them to compete on a global stage.

Topics: snooker Saudi Arabia Ronnie O’Sullivan

Related

‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
Sport
‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
‘Class of 1992 will never be replicated,’ says Ronnie O’Sullivan ahead of Saudi Masters opener
Sport
‘Class of 1992 will never be replicated,’ says Ronnie O’Sullivan ahead of Saudi Masters opener

Youth taekwondo competitions conclude at Saudi Games

Youth taekwondo competitions conclude at Saudi Games
Updated 14 October 2024
Arab News
Follow

Youth taekwondo competitions conclude at Saudi Games

Youth taekwondo competitions conclude at Saudi Games
  • Adult taekwondo competitions will continue on Tuesday
Updated 14 October 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The youth taekwondo competitions of the third Saudi Games concluded on Monday at Boulevard 2 in Riyadh.

Shaddad Al-Amri, president of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation, awarded the winners their medals during the ceremony.

In the 48 kg category, Abdullah Mushrif from Al-Shabab claimed the gold medal, with Khaled Al-Shahrani from Abha securing silver. Bronze medals were awarded to Alai Addin Al-Sisi (Al-Ahli) and Nawaf Al-Bishi (Al-Hilal).

Abdulrahman Al-Shahrani (Abha) took gold in the 55 kg category, while Tariq Zawawi (Herra) won silver. Bronze medals went to Abdulaziz Abu Faleh (Al-Hariq) and Abdulrahman Al-Jabri (Al-Nassr).

The 63 kg category saw Abdullah Al-Dosari (Al-Noor) win gold, with Issa Mjarshi taking silver. Bronze went to Firas Al-Aliyo (Al-Salam) and Rayan Al-Harthi (Al-Ittihad).

Rakan Al-Agha (Al-Ahli) secured the gold in the 73 kg category, while Nawaf Hussein (Al-Hilal) took silver. Bronze medals were awarded to Faisal Al-Mutairi and Ibrahim Al-Dosari (both from Al-Shabab).

In the +73 kg category, Ahmad Bin Qasim (Al-Shabab) won gold, with Youssef Al-Madawi (Abha) taking silver, and Al-Hur Al-Hamadah (Al-Taraji) claiming bronze.

The adult taekwondo competitions will continue on Tuesday with the 49 kg category for women and the 58 kg and 80 kg categories for men.

Topics: Saudi Games 2024 Saudi games Saudi Arabia taekwondo

Related

Princess Dilayl crowns Saudi Games triathlon winners
Sport
Princess Dilayl crowns Saudi Games triathlon winners
Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action
Sport
Rugby and judo take center stage in latest Saudi Games action

Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier

Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier
Updated 14 October 2024
SALEH FAREED
Follow

Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier

Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier
  • National team are fully focused, says head coach
Updated 14 October 2024
SALEH FAREED

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini on Monday stressed the importance of being mentally prepared as his team look to bounce back from their defeat against Japan.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at King Abdullah Sports City, Mancini highlighted the need for psychological readiness ahead of the Green Falcons’ World Cup qualifier against Bahrain in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Mancini, who was joined by goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar, acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match, saying: “I think it’s the same thing as I said before — all games are difficult.

“Tomorrow’s game is crucial and tough. Bahrain looked physically strong against Indonesia and I hope we deliver a positive display, as we did against Japan despite the loss.”

The Italian coach stressed that his team are fully focused and mentally strong.

He added: “We are mentally prepared. We are seeking to compensate for the loss to Japan. Psychological support is very important, and we are grateful to Prince Abdulaziz Al-Faisal, minister of sports, and Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, for their constant motivation.”

Mancini called on the fans to play their part, adding: “Their presence is very important and a great support for the team.”

Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Al-Kassar spoke of the team’s determination to make up for the disappointment of the Japan defeat.

He said: “All the players were frustrated when fans left during the Japan match, and we were not satisfied with the result.

“Everyone expects a lot from us and we must make the fans happy. We will strive to do so against Bahrain and secure a victory.”

Bahrain’s head coach Dragan Talajic, a familiar figure in Saudi football having won the 2004 AFC Champions League with Al-Ittihad, shared his excitement about returning to the city.

He said: “I am so glad to be back in Jeddah. I have great memories with Al-Ittihad that I will never forget.”

He anticipates a competitive match, and added: “The plan tomorrow is to play great football; I’m sure the Saudis are thinking the same.

“It’s going to be a good game between two great teams, and we’re looking forward to winning.”

Al-Shabab’s Musab Al-Juwair missed a training session, led by Mancini, due to pain in his thigh.

The Green Falcons sit third in Group C in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Topics: football soccer Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers

Related

Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Sport
Mancini says Saudi Falcons ready for match against China in Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Special Mancini: ‘Victory the goal’ when Falcons take on Indonesia in World Cup qualifier
Sport
Mancini: ‘Victory the goal’ when Falcons take on Indonesia in World Cup qualifier

New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis

New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis
Updated 14 October 2024
AFP
Follow

New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis

New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis
  • New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off 20 overs, became second team from Group A to make it to semis
  • Defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated
Updated 14 October 2024
AFP

DUBAI: Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match on Monday.
Off-spinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.
New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last-four after holders Australia who finish on top.
Defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
“We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.
But they started their chase on a shaky note, losing openers Aliya Riaz, promoted up to opener, for nought and Muneeba Ali (15) inside the first five overs.
It was downhill thereafter, with Sadaf Shamas (two) being clean bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed (three) being run out by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu.
Reduced to 28-5 at the end of powerplay, Pakistan never recovered.
Skipper Fatima Sana, who was back with the team after flying home briefly to Pakistan following the death of her father, played a lone hand, making 21 in a lost cause.
“We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” said Sana reflecting on the eight catches that Pakistan put down.
“We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches.”
New Zealand were off to a steady start after electing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing 41 runs for the opening wicket.
But Pakistan struck soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession.
Pakistan paid the price for their sloppy fielding with Sidra Amin dropping a sitter off Nida Dar when Sophie Devine was on 14.
Devine, though, failed to capitalize and was scooped up by Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal for 19.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, picking up 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.

Topics: Women's T20 World Cup

England ready for Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test

England ready for Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test
Updated 14 October 2024
AFP
Follow

England ready for Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test

England ready for Pakistan’s spin assault in second Test
  • Desperate to level the three-match series after an innings and 47-run defeat on Friday, Pakistan named three spinners in four changes
  • England left out seamers Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes to bring in Matthew Potts and Stokes, but retained Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir
Updated 14 October 2024
AFP

MULTAN: Returning England captain Ben Stokes said on Monday he hopes a reused pitch for the second Test against Pakistan in Multan will play into the tourists’ hands rather than the spin-heavy hosts.
Desperate to level the three-match series after an innings and 47-run defeat on Friday, Pakistan named three spinners in four changes from the first Test.
In a rare move, Pakistan — who have now gone winless in 11 home Tests since February 2021 — decided to use the same flat surface on which England piled up 823-7 declared in reply to their 556 all out.
“If you look at the way that the first Test played out, if another wicket like that was produced, maybe that gives us more of an advantage,” said Stokes, back in the side after missing the first Test with a hamstring injury.
Despite the first-innings run-fest — with Harry Brook smashing 317 and Joe Root making 262 — England bowled out Pakistan for 220 in their second innings to secure a remarkable victory.
England left out seamers Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes to bring in Matthew Potts and Stokes, but kept the same spinners in Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir.
“You’d like to think it might be a bit more in favor of the spin, so if it does spin more, or if it does reverse more, there’s more options there for both teams,” added Stokes.
The all-rounder, who may not yet be fit to bowl, said he has never seen such a strategy before.
“It could be a tactic but I’ve never seen a pitch before used in back-to-back games. And I’ve never seen fans that big standing as umpires,” he said, referring to two big industrial fans at both ends being used to dry the pitch.
Since Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum took over in May 2022, England have played aggressive cricket, with only one draw.
“I think if we went 1-0 down at home, we would probably be going to our groundsman at the second Test saying ‘can we have a bit more of this, bit more of that’ to use our home advantage in our favor.
“With me being captain and Baz being coach, that’s how we both view cricket, that there should be a winner.”
Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood believes the pitch will help his team.
“The strategy behind the used pitch is to take 20 wickets,” said Mahmood.
“We want to get 20 England wickets and going with spinners will help us dominate.”
Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali make up Pakistan’s spin trio, with Aamer Jamal the only frontline pace bowler.
Mahmood defended the decision to leave out struggling star batter Babar Azam.
“There is no question that Babar Azam is our best batter,” said Mahmood of Azam, who is without a half-century in 18 innings.
“He is not dropped, we have given him rest considering the coming hectic cricket schedule and we thought it would be best for him to come refreshed for the three away tours coming.”

Topics: Pakistan-England Test series

Latest updates

Sending a THAAD air defense system to Israel adds to strain on US Army forces
Sending a THAAD air defense system to Israel adds to strain on US Army forces
Russia says it captured a southern Ukraine village in a push before winter comes
Russia says it captured a southern Ukraine village in a push before winter comes
Hezbollah’s drones are a fierce and evasive threat to Israel
Hezbollah’s drones are a fierce and evasive threat to Israel
Dutch woman accused of enslaving Yazidi women while part of Daesh goes on trial
A view of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP)
Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh
Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy opens at Boulevard City in Riyadh

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.