DUBAI, UAE – January 25, 2025 – Ruel “Bagsik” Pañales, the pride of the Philippines, has vowed to make his country proud as the first Filipino fighter to represent the nation at the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
After making weight at exactly 126 pounds for his flyweight bout against Dubai’s hometown hero, Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1), he didn’t hesitate to express confidence in taking the victory
in their Road to Dubai Champions Series showdown set for Saturday night, January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (midnight in Manila).
Brimming with faith and determination, Pañales expressed his gratitude and optimism ahead of the fight.
“Thank you, Lord. Sama niyo ako sa inyong panalangin, mga sir and ma’am. Maiuwi po natin ang panalo. Alam ko isa ‘to sa mga big organizations ng MMA. Maraming kukuning fighters sa Pinas lalo na pag napanalo natin ito. Mabuhay po tayong lahat. To God be the glory.”
His coach, Rolando Gabriel Dy, founder of the DyIncredible Fight Team, shared the same confidence in their preparation:
“Marami kaming pinagdaanan sa training, and we’re confident of the victory.”
Pañales also reflected on the challenges he faced to make it to this moment.”Marami nangyari bago ako nakarating dito—marami pagsubok. Akala ko di na matutuloy ang laban ko, pero andito ako ngayon dahil sa awa at pag-ibig ng Panginoon.”
For Hussaini, the motivation is very high.
“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, 5 wins and 2 losses record.
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)