{"id":37376,"date":"2025-08-01T11:57:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/37376\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T11:57:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:57:10","slug":"moroccan-fighter-wants-to-shut-the-lights-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/37376\/","title":{"rendered":"Moroccan Fighter Wants to \u201cShut the Lights Out\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moroccan featherweight Abderrahman Errachidy<\/a> is set to make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut on August 9 when he takes on South Africa\u2019s Elbert Steyn in front of his home crowd, in what is being billed as one of the standout matchups on the inaugural PFL Africa<\/a> card.<\/p>\n

The card begins at 5 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1) at Carnival City, Johannesburg, South Africa, and MMA fans can catch the action live on SuperSport, Canal+ France, PFL App, and STARZPLAY.<\/p>\n

\"STEYN-vs-ERRACHIDYSTEYN-vs-ERRACHIDY at PFL Africa<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old enters the bout with a professional record of 4-1 and carries with him the weight of Moroccan hopes into the Big Top Arena. \u201cI carry Morocco on my shoulders every time I step in that cage,\u201d Errachidy told Morocco World News. \u201cIt\u2019s an honour and a responsibility I don\u2019t take lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Known for his Taekwondo background, unorthodox kicks, and punishing counters, Errachidy represents a new wave of Moroccan fighters<\/a> making inroads into top-tier MMA. From an early age, he knew he was cut out to become a fighter: \u201cLet\u2019s just say I was a wild child \u2013 always up to mischief,\u201d he said. \u201cMMA felt like home the moment I saw it. It gave my chaos a purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI took a punch straight to the face in my first training session,\u201d he laughs. \u201cFelt the pain, loved it. That\u2019s when I knew \u2013 this was it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Casablanca-based fighter credits a pivotal conversation with his coach for pushing him to pursue a professional career. \u201cHe pulled me aside and said, \u2018You don\u2019t belong here \u2013 you belong with the pros.\u2019 That moment changed everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Errachidy\u2019s opponent, Steyn, is a more established figure in the region. A home favourite, the South African is known for his methodical style, mixing high-volume striking with solid grappling. This is expected to be a classic striker-versus-grappler encounter.<\/p>\n

\u201cHome turf or not, it\u2019s just another fight,\u201d Errachidy said. \u201cI\u2019m here to shut the lights out and move to the next one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pair meet in the featherweight division (145lb) as part of the PFL\u2019s first official event in Africa.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PFL, launched in 2018, has quickly established itself as a serious contender in the MMA world, offering a league-style format with regular-season bouts, playoffs and $1 million championship finals. Its regional branches \u2013 including PFL MENA and PFL Europe \u2013 are now joined by PFL Africa, chaired by former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.<\/p>\n

Errachidy is among a growing group of Moroccan athletes signed to the promotion. They include Badreddine Diani<\/a> (9-3), Taha Bendaoud<\/a> (4-0), Salah Eddine Hamli<\/a> (9-0) and Rachid Haz<\/a> (15-4-0) \u2013 all of whom have made headlines in recent PFL events.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re building something big,\u201d Errachidy said. \u201cI want to be part of that push \u2013 leading the next generation, showing them it\u2019s possible.\u201d Still, his focus remains firmly on climbing the ranks. \u201cI want to carve my name into MMA history \u2013 not in ink, in gold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s fight with Steyn may prove a key milestone in that pursuit. The South African, fighting in front of a home crowd, will have the advantage in experience and atmosphere. But Errachidy is unfazed. \u201cWe\u2019ve studied him. We\u2019ve got a plan,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll let the fight do the talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Away from the cage, Abderrahman keeps things simple. He enjoys roast chicken with fried potatoes and admits to having a soft spot for fast food.<\/p>\n

But when fight night comes, he shuts the world out. No distractions, no noise \u2013 just focus.<\/p>\n

His rise has been gritty, not glossy. He trains hard, keeps his circle tight, and swears by the basics. \u201cWake up. Train. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Every day\u2019s a grind.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grew up looking up to Jon \u201cBones\u201d Jones. Now, he\u2019s chasing his own legacy.<\/p>\n

One last message to the up-and-coming fighters back home, he said: \u201cKeep fighting. Your time\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

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