No Moment Too Big for Abdalrahman Alhyasat

Abdalrahman Alhyasat may have only four professional mixed martial arts bouts under his belt, but when he makes his fifth appearance, he will do so with a chance to put himself in position to vie for a championship and a $100,000 payday.

After going 3-0 in UAE Warriors to start his career, Alhyasat joined the Professional Fighters League for its venture into the Middle East and North Africa market. He took a unanimous decision from Ahmed Tarek in his promotional debut and now has his sights set on Abdullah Al-Qahtani, as their featherweight semifinal headlines PFL MENA 3 on Friday at the PFL MENA Studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Though it figures to be a veritable home game for his opponent, Alhyasat remains unconcerned with the increased spotlight or a potentially hostile crowd. He chooses instead to focus on the opportunities it can provide.

“I can’t wait for this fight,” Alhyasat told Sherdog.com. “This fight is going to open many doors for me and put me on the top. It’s going to give me the chance to take the PFL MENA belt, so for me, it’s incredible. I feel amazing.”

Entering the most significant moment of his career to this point, Alhyasat believes the experience he has accumulated has prepared him for it.

“I’ve had a lot of fights in my career between amateur and professional, but this time is different for me,” he said. “I prepared so well, and I’ve got a good plan for this fight. I feel amazing about this fight. There is no pressure on me. They said I’m fighting in my opponent’s cage or against his fans, but I don’t feel that. I’m confident because this fight is where I belong.”

Alhyasat admits his aspirations extend beyond his current stage.

“PFL MENA is a big goal,” he said. “I will go there and I will achieve it—100%—but my biggest goal is to go to [the] PFL [global roster]. That is my real goal, to get the $1 million. It’s an amazing prize, and I believe I deserve it. I work hard. I give 100% to my work, and I always want the chance to take the biggest opportunity, which for me is to go to PFL global.”

For Alhyasat, money takes a backseat to prestige.

“I know I mentioned it, but I’m not talking about money too much,” he said. “The money is important, but for me, to be champion is the most important goal. In the end, the money will be gone, but your name will be at the top. Everyone will mention it. I’m an Arab fighter, and to be a global champion [and secure] my legacy, it would be amazing for me.”

While Alhaysat may not have the fans on his side when he faces Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qahtani, he keeps his plans short and sweet: “The ‘Cobra’ is coming for the belt.”