Ezzoubair Bouarsa has taken on a major opportunity, stepping in on three days’ notice to take this fight. Bouarsa, a grappling specialist, is 7-3 in his career so far, with four wins coming via submission. A one-time veteran of Bellator, Bouarsa last fought in October 2023, scoring a decision over Martin McNulty.

 

Making his professional MMA debut in 2021, Mahio Campanella gets his first opportunity on a major MMA stage here tonight. A former regional champion, Campanella enters tonight riding a three-fight win streak, with four of his six MMA wins coming via a finish. Campanella last fought in May, defeating Giovanni Fernandez via submission.

 

Will either man be able to impress Cedric Doumbe and earn a PFL contract?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick missed for Campanella. Round kick lands for Campanella. Another low kick from Campanella. He’s continuing with this kick-based attack. Strong round kick to the body now. Bouarsa chases Campanella down. Campanella reverses the position and gets Bouarsa against the fence. Knee by Campanella. Bouarsa narrowly misses a strong hook on the break. Spinning back kick by Campanella, followed by a jumping knee that misses. SPinning back kick by Campanella. Bouarsa with a kick to the body.

 

Low kick and a right hand by Bouarsa drops Campanella! Campanella scrambles as Bouarsa follows and it’s Campanella that lands in top position! Strong elbows by Campanella, but he’s warned for landing to the back of the head. Campanella continues with the elbows. Bouarsa back to his feet, but he’s pressed into the fence by Campanella. The fight goes back to the ground, and Campanella might be threatening with the Von Flue choke. Shoulder choke attempt, and Bouarsa is going out. HE’S OUT!

 

 

Mahio Campanella gets the first-round submission in front of Cedric Doumbe! That’s got to do good for his chances in getting a PFL contract!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Mahio Campanella def. Ezzoubair Bouarsa via first-round submission (head-and-arm choke, 4:45)