PFL Morocco Staff Picks: Heavyweights Rumble in Africa

Abdulolaye Kane battles Badr Medkouri in the heavyweight main event, while Taha Benadaoud fights Yanis Ghemmouri at featherweight in the co-main attraction. 

PFL Morocco Main Event

In his five wins as a professional Kane has yet to see the scorecards, winning four times by knockout and once by submission. Coming off an unfortunate loss to Justin Clarke this past spring, the Tiger Muay Thai product is out to prove that he is a heavyweight name to watch out for.

Equally as heavy-handed, Medkouri also boasts a staggering amount of stoppages via strikes, ending eight of his triumphs by starching. At PFL Morocco, “Dastan” finds himself in his first major headlining scrap.

PFL Morocco Co-Main Event

Going 2-2 in his last four contests under the PFL banner, Bendaoud has struggled to remain consistent since joining the promotion two years ago. In Africa this weekend, “Atlas Lion” is eager to return to the winner’s circle since getting her hand raised last in May 2025.

For the last three years, Ghemmouri has fought in some of the largest mixed martial arts entities in the world, including a two-fight stint in the UFC. Possessing tremendous experience after high-profile meetings with Islam Reda and Payton Talbott, “The Desert Fox” is back in action after an almost one-year layoff.

More Bouts on PFL Morocco Main Card

Also on the main card, Shido Boris Esperança locks horns with Peace Nguphane. Also, Patrick Ocheme crosses paths with Cornel Thompson. Finally, Rivaldo Pereira tests himself against David Samuel.

PFL Morocco 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).

• UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.

• PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.

• ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.

Find our PFL Morocco picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after DWCS 95:

1. Hank Strandberg: 194-96

2. Frazer Krohn: 145-114

3. Drew Zuhosky: 150-142

4. Andrew Benjamin: 29-27

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

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Shido Boris Esperança -130

Vs.

Peace Nguphane +110

WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Esperança by Second Round Knockout

Drew Zuhosky: Esperança by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Esperança: 2

Staff picking Nguphane: 0

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David Samuel -500

Vs.

Rivaldo Pereira +383

WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Samuel by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Samuel by Second Round Knockout 

Staff picking Samuel: 2

Staff picking Pereira: 0

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Patrick Ocheme -218

Vs.

Cornel Thompson +185

LIGHTWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Ocheme by First Round Knockout

Drew Zuhosky: Thompson by First Round Knockout

Staff picking Ocheme: 1

Staff picking Thompson: 1

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Yanis Ghemmouri -240

Vs.

Taha Bendaoud +200

FEATHERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Bendaoud by First Round Knockout

Drew Zuhosky: Ghemmouri by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Ghemmouri: 1

Staff picking Bendaoud: 1

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Abdoullah Kane -400

Vs.

Badr Medkouri +300

HEAVYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg:Kane by Second Round Knockout;

Drew Zuhosky: Kane by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Kane: 2

Staff picking Medkouri: 0