Rabat — Morocco’s Salah Eddine Hamli wants to make history on December 5. The 27-year-old fighter stands one win away from capturing the PFL MENA Lightweight Championship in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The young man has a firm belief that millions of people across Morocco and the Arab world will follow his match as he tries to snatch the title.

“It is a great motivation to represent all my people and also to show the whole world that Arab MMA has a lot to offer,” Hamli said. He understands his upcoming title fight means more than personal glory — it represents an entire region fighting to establish itself in combat sports.

Rising tide of Moroccan MMA

Moroccan MMA has grown dramatically over recent years. Fighters like Hamli now put the region on the global combat sports map. The PFL’s expansion into the MENA region through its tournament format created opportunities Arab fighters never had before, allowing them to compete at the highest level without leaving home.

A Hamli victory would send a powerful message to young Moroccan and Arab fighters: professional success doesn’t require moving to America or Europe. Championships and serious money are not out of their reach, but exist in their own backyard.

For a region in which mainstream MMA has historically been overlooked, Hamli’s potential win would prove Arab fighters belong at the sport’s highest levels.

Fighting for family and dreams

The Moroccan champion faces Iraq’s undefeated Mohammad Fahmi at the Dhahran Expo in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A face-off, in which the winner takes home the title and a $100,000 purse. However, Hamli’s aspirations go deeper than this  — he fights for something he has wanted since childhood.

“My greatest inspiration has always been my parents, regardless of the sport, because they have fought all their lives,” he said. “I entered the sport because I have always been fascinated by the world of combat, and my goal is to be the best.”

The fighter — nicknamed “Supersalah” — can barely contain his excitement. “I feel incredible and eager to show the young Salah Eddine who dreamed of this that dreams do come true,” he beamed.

For Hamli, this championship represents just one step in a longer journey, as he has “very strong goals,” he added, noting that this keeps him disciplined no matter what.

Perfect record built on finishing power

Based in Morocco but training at Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, Hamli enters the championship fight with a flawless 10-0 professional record. Most of his victories came by finish — he ends fights decisively instead of letting them go to the judges’ scorecards.

“Each preparation I make is better than the last; I always try to keep evolving,” he explained.

Hamli’s journey through the 2025 PFL MENA season displayed his grappling-heavy style. In May, he submitted Abbas Khan with a rear-naked choke in the third round. Then, in the September 27 semifinals, he finished Souhil Tairi with an arm-triangle choke just 1 minute 30 seconds into the third round, securing his championship berth.

Dangerous opponent awaits

Mohammad Fahmi brings credentials that command respect. The Iraqi fighter, known as “Soulkeeper,” holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo. His tournament run proved he can upset elite competition.

Fahmi’s most impressive victory came in the semifinals when he submitted defending lightweight champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi — a multi-time Wushu Sanda World Champion — with a first-round rear-naked choke. Four of Fahmi’s six career wins came by submission. He’s a dangerous grappler who finishes opponents.

Hamli recognizes the challenge ahead. “I love this opponent because he’s undefeated just like me, and I know he’s a very strong fighter. I’m going for that zero; I’m really looking forward to it.”

Bringing the belt home

Winning means everything to Hamli, but not just for himself, as he wants this title for his people and his country.

“It would be the fruit of a lot of work and I’m sure that with God’s help, winning the belt would be wonderful because then I could take PFL to Morocco and make my first defense there,” Hamli said. He’s already planning to bring professional championship-level MMA back to Morocco.

For Hamli, this championship fight connects his personal dream with a bigger mission — elevating Moroccan MMA and proving to the world that Arab combat sports have arrived.

Fans in the MENA region can watch the fights free on STARZPLAY, while viewers in the US can stream it on the PFL app on December 5.

Hamli sees this championship as more than a belt — it’s a platform for regional growth. “I’m very happy with the support from the fans and this December 5th you’re going to see the best finale ever, I promise you lots of action.”