How Xavier Alaoui Plans to Bring the Noise Heading Into PFL MENA

After a decade in the cage, Xavier
Alaoui must prove himself to no one. The
Tristar Gym jokester radiates confidence before the biggest
fight of his career, but Alaoui knows he’s ready. And for those who
don’t, prepare to find out.

“I’ve given up on the idea of being on the cusp of breaking
through,” Alaoui told Sherdog.com. “I feel like I’ve already broken
through. I’ve fought some of the best guys in the world, and the
best guys in the world know who the f*ck I am.”

Alaoui (14-5) is set to make his mark in the
Professional Fighters League, aiming to be the first to claim
in the inaugural PFL MENA Bantamweight Season crown. Born in
Morocco, Alaoui hates that he has to take out fellow countryman
Rachid El
Hazoume in the first round Friday at The Green Halls in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, but the stakes are too significant. The tournament
winner goes home with $100,000 and a potential roster spot in the
2025 PFL season.

For Alaoui, the money is nice, but the exposure is critical.
Tristar Gym has developed Alaoui into a well-rounded and respected
threat, but a trio of disputed split decision losses has kept “The
Breadman” from becoming a household name.

He started professionally with a seven-fight win streak before he
dropped a close decision to Josh Hill.
After losing two of his next three, Alaoui was 7-3 before he would
go on the best run of his career and claim the vacant UAE Warriors
bantamweight title. He doesn’t know what he’d be doing today if he
quit after facing adversity.

“I don’t give a f*ck about it,” Alaoui said. “When you’re a kid,
you’re stuck in the mindset of ‘I should’ve done that or oh just
maybe one more punch,’ but as long as I go in there and fight 100
percent.”

It’s Alaoui’s on-to-the-next attitude that keeps fans invested and
his training partners engaged. When Alaoui arrived at Tristar in
2014, the gym was invested in welterweights and middleweights, but
the young prospect knew he was in the right spot. Blessed with a
sense of humor, Alaoui quickly became the heart of the gym’s
bantamweight stable.

“Most of the guys now are at 135, 145 and 155, so it gives me a
good pool of talent to work with,” he said. “I’m 32, and it’s just
great to see many young guys coming up. I’m happy for them.”

Now, it’s Alaoui’s time to shine. With PFL’s investment in the
regional scene, talented fighters like Alaoui have the platform to
reach even more viewers win, lose or draw. He plans to leave new
fans with something unforgettable.

“I just want the chance to show the casuals what I can do,” he
said. “It’s show business, and I have creativity, and I’m going to
go out there and make all the f*cking noise I want.”