DUBAI, UAE – Ruel “Bagsik” Pañales of the Philippines and Dubai’s hometown hero, Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1), are poised to clash in a highly anticipated flyweight showdown at the Road to Dubai Champions Series set for Saturday night, January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (midnight in Manila), with both fighters looking to reignite their winning momentum while proudly representing their respective nations.
Hussaini, fighting on home soil, expressed immense pride and excitement about the opportunity to perform before his countrymen.
“The motivation is very high,” Hussaini shared during media day at Rove Hotel. “Fighting in my own city, my own country, is a very special moment. I’m happy and excited to showcase my skills and show the world that an Emirati can compete on the global stage.”
The Emirati fighter, boasting a 5-1-1 record, has prepared extensively for his encounter with the seasoned Filipino fighter.
“I’m facing a very good opponent. Panales is experienced. I’ve trained hard in all aspects—ground and striking—and I hope to perform well and get the win,” Hussaini added.
Meanwhile, Pañales is making his Professional Fighters League (PFL) SmartCage debut, but he is no stranger to big fights. The Filipino fighter has previously secured victories in the UAE and holds a record of 5 wins and 2 losses. Despite the chilly Dubai weather, Pañales arrived ready and appeared well-adjusted to make his mark.
“I’m excited, and I want to raise my hand in victory once again,” Pañales declared.
In his corner is veteran MMA fighter Rolando Gabriel Dy, who believes Pañales’ debut in the PFL could be the beginning of an inspiring story.
The Road to Dubai Champions Series features a thrilling main event, with undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0), known as the “Pride of Dagestan,” facing Ireland’s Paul “Big News” Hughes (13-1). Hughes enters the fight fresh off a career-defining victory over AJ McKee at PFL’s “Battle of the Giants.”
The event takes place on Saturday, January 25th, at 7:30 PM local time (11:30 PM Philippine time) at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. Tickets are available at coca-cola-arena.com.
The full fight card:
PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Bout: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Khasan Magomedsharipov (10-0) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)
Road to Dubai Champions Series Preliminary Card:
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Youssef Al Housani (4-1) vs. Assem Ghanem (4-0)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)