PFL MENA 9 Staff Picks: Featherweight Contenders Collide in Exciting Main Event
PFL MENA 9 comes to television screens around the world today, and with it, some of the most anticipated bouts of the year for the promotion so far.
The Middle East serves as the proving ground for some of the best mixed martial artists in the world when PFL Mena 9 takes center stage in the United Arab Emirates. Taking top-billing for the card, UFC veteran Mohammad Yahya battles Ares FC title challenger Mehdi Saadi.
PFL MENA 9 Main Event
A former staple of the UAE Warriors promotion, where he was their lightweight champion, Yahya is coming off of a short three-bout stint in the UFC, losing all of them. Returning to his roots in his home country, “The UAE Warrior” is back to prove that he has what it takes to compete amongst the best fighters on the planet.
Fighting in what will be his first contest in two years following a string of fight cancellations, Saadi is on a mission to remind the rest of the featherweight roster that he is a dangerous foe to share the smart cage with. Owing a remarkable 100% finish rate, fans should expect a quick night in the office for the France native.
PFL MENA 9 Co-Main Event
Undefeated at a staggering 11-0, Eddine Hamli turned heads last year when he won the PFL’s MENA finale. Now setting his sights on the lightweight strap, the submission ace is looking to impress even further in his freshman tilt of 2026.
Boasting easily the most tenured record on the entire card, Djiroun has accomplished much in his professional career. Seeking to add a world title to that resume, “Broly” is preparing to make a statement to the rest of the weight class./span>
More Bouts On the PFL MENA 9 Main Card
Also on the main card, Hamza Kooheji faces Taha Bendaoud . Then, Zamzam Al Hammadi battles Abeer Mansour. Finally, Mohammad Fahmi comes to blows with Assem Ghanem.
PFL MENA 9 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
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UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
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PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
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ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
Find our PFL MENA 9 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after PFL Brussels:
1. Hank Strandberg: 77-38
2. Frazer Krohn: 66-49
3. Drew Zuhosky: 55-63
4. Andrew Benjamin: 18-14
;*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Mohammad Fahmi -155
Vs.
Assem Ghanem +130
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Fahmi by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Ghanem by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Ghanem by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Fahmi by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Fahmi: 2
Staff picking Ghanem: 2
Zamzam Al Hammadi -1250
Vs.
Abeer Mansour +700
WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Al Hammadi by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Mansour by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Mansour by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Mansour by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Al Hammad: 1
Staff picking Mansour: 3
Hamza Kooheji
Vs.
Taha Bendaoud +150
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Kooheji by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Bendaoud by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Bendaoud by First Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Bendaoud by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Kooheji: 1
Staff picking Bendaoud: 3
Salah Eddine Hamli -190
Vs.
Ylies Djiroun +155
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Hamli by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Djiroun by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Hamli by Second Round Submission
Andrew Benjamin: Hamli by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Hamli: 3
Staff picking Djiroun: 1
Mehdi Saadi -140
Vs.
Mohammad Yahya +115
FEATHERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Saadi by Second Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Saadi by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Yahya by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Yahya by SplitDecision
Staff picking Saadi: 2
Staff picking Yahya: 2
