Police: Ali Abdelaziz punched Abe Kawa 'in his face with a closed fist' at PFL event in Las Vegas
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Police report incorrectly identifies Leisette France as Abe Kawa’s fiancée; she is correctly identified in the story).
LAS VEGAS – According to Las Vegas police, Ali Abdelaziz struck fellow MMA manger Abe Kawa “in his face with a closed fist” at this past weekend’s PFL 2019, Playoffs 1 event.
MMA Junkie first reported the alleged incident that occurred last Friday night at Mandalay Bay Events Center, but police officials weren’t immediately available to confirm the details. On Monday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to MMA Junkie’s public records request and shared its detailed report.
According to the police report, two officers working the event witnessed the incident between Dominance MMA CEO Abdelaziz and First Round Management vice president Kawa unfold in the VIP section. From their perspective, the officers said they observed Abdelaziz “willfully and unlawfully use force and violence” by striking Kawa “in his face with a closed fist.” Mandalay Bay security immediately separated the two men.
The police report noted that Leisette France, the fiancée of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, who was also present for the event, corroborated what the officers witnessed.
Mandalay Bay Events Center officials have yet to respond to MMA Junkie’s request for comment. Meanwhile, PFL officials have formally recognized the incident and the parties involved, but have yet to take any action, according to a statement issued to MMA Junkie.
“The Professional Fighters League is aware of an incident that occurred Friday, October 11 backstage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center between MMA managers Ali Abdelaziz and Ibrahim Kawa,” the statement read. “PFL understands that a police report has been filed by Mr. Kawa and is continuing to gather information.”
Abdelaziz and Kawa’s companies represent some of the biggest fighters in MMA. Abdelaziz’s Dominance MMA manages the likes of UFC champions Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, and Kamaru Usman; First Round Management, meanwhile, represents UFC champ Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal, among others.
You can see the complete police report of the incident here or read below:
On October 11, 2019 at approximately 2126 Hours, I, Officer B. Redd P#16936 operating as marked and uniformed patrol unit MAN9 responded to a Battery in progress while working a special event at Mandalay Bay Event Center 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119.
Sgt. A Aguirre P#9645 and Sgt. K. Lorsen P#5746 while on post in the VIP section observed an unknown male later identified as ALAA R ABDELAZIZ, strike another male in his face with a closed fist.. The male identified as the victim identified himself via his Miami ID as Ibrahim Kawa [redacted]. Kawa stated while in the VIP area Aziz approached him stated he needed to speak with him and subsequently struck him in the face with a closed fist on the right side of his face for no reason. Once struck Officers and Mandalay Security immediately responded, and separated both parties. Sgt. Aguirre and Sgt Lorsen observed the incident in its entirety.
Leisette France corroborated the incident observed by officers.
Aziz did willfully and unlawfully use force and violence upon the person of another to wit Ibrahim Kawa by using his fist to hit said victim in the face and head area in the presence of a public officer.
Photos of Kawa’s injuries were taken and uploaded to OnBase.
Due to the above facts and circumstances, a battery occurring in officers presence Aziz was issued a citation and escorted off the premises.