Focused Rahmani ready to take on Williams at PFL Road to Dubai bout

Dubai is getting ready to host the ‘Road to Dubai’ mixed martial arts event on February 7 at Coca-Cola Arena.

The event is organized by the Professional Fighters League, together with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

The championship shows Dubai’s growing role in hosting major international sports events.

At the event, heavyweight fighter Pouya Rahmani will face American fighter Karl Williams in an important bout.

Rahmani sees this fight as a key step toward reaching his main goal.

Confident in his preparation, Rahmani says he feels fully ready and approaches every bout with the same level of focus, discipline, and determination, regardless of the opponent.

“The support of the fans gives me extra strength inside the cage,” Rahmani said. “I feel their energy as soon as I enter, and it pushes me to give my best. I always aim to put on an exciting performance and finish fights whenever possible.”

With fight night approaching, Rahmani confirmed that his team has a clear plan for the bout, and his full focus is on securing a victory. Drawing on his experience in high-level events, he says he is able to stay calm under pressure and believes he has a bright future in the PFL.

A multi-talented athlete, Rahmani initially competed in wrestling and jiu-jitsu before discovering his true passion in MMA. “MMA has become a huge part of my life,” he explained, reflecting on his personal journey. Despite facing challenges along the way, he never stopped working toward his goals. “When I feel tired, I remind myself there is more to achieve,” he said.

Last year marked a milestone for Rahmani as he recorded a significant PFL victory following a comeback from injury. The win, coupled with a Best Performance award, boosted his confidence and motivated him to continue progressing in his career. Outside the cage, he prefers a quiet life, crediting his past struggles with shaping him into the fighter he is today. “Every challenge happens for a reason,” he said.

Rahmani concluded with a message of resilience and determination: “I never lose hope. I keep working hard, I am proud of my journey, and I believe nothing can stop me.”

The “Road to Dubai” event promises a night of high-stakes action, headlined by lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov facing Britain’s Alfie Davis, alongside several other compelling matchups that are expected to draw MMA fans from across the UAE and around the world.