Salah Eddine Hamli is set to face Ylies Djiroun in the co-main event of PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia on May 24th. Reflecting on his current status as champion, Hamli stated he is ready to showcase his elite skills to the public.

When asked if his position as the reigning champion influences his mindset for the upcoming season, Hamli indicated that while it’s a new tournament, his goal remains to make history. He revealed that the promotion’s president challenged him to become the first fighter to win two PFL MENA championships, a prospect that greatly motivates him for his May 24th fight in Dubai, where he intends to defeat his opponent decisively.

Hamli, a former multiple-time boxing champion in Spain, achieved PFL MENA gold in 2025 with several submission victories. He shared that his past success in grappling, combined with his established striking abilities, gives him immense confidence. Having previously competed internationally for the first time and demonstrating his skills, Hamli emphasized his versatility, stating he can compete effectively in both striking and grappling, much like Ilia Topuria.

Regarding the broader PFL’s positive reception, Hamli believes the organization is performing exceptionally well. He highlighted PFL’s investment in new global prospects and praised the tournament format for showcasing talent worldwide. Hamli is eager for the May 24th event in Dubai, aiming to demonstrate the high caliber of fighters within PFL MENA.

In his closing remarks, Hamli extended thanks and conveyed his readiness to prove why he is the undefeated champion and the world’s best lightweight. He acknowledged that his claim might seem bold but is based on his skills and training alongside UFC fighters. He also humorously compared himself to Goku from Dragon Ball Z, his favorite series, in anticipation of his fight against Djiroun, nicknamed “Broly,” predicting a dominant victory.

English Translation:

Salah Eddine Hamli Eyes Path to Becoming PFL MENA’s First 2-Time Champ

Salah Eddine Hamli is gearing up to face Ylies Djiroun in the co-main event of PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia on May 24th. When asked about his current state, Hamli expressed his readiness to present top-tier skills to the audience, affirming his position as the current PFL MENA champion.

Regarding whether entering the season as the defending champion alters his confidence or mental approach, Hamli stated that while he holds the 2025 PFL MENA championship, the current season is a new tournament. His ambition is to become the first PFL MENA champion to secure a second belt. He mentioned a conversation with the promotion’s president, who challenged him to be the first to achieve this, a challenge Hamli eagerly accepted. This prospect fuels his motivation for the May 24th fight in Dubai, where he is determined to defeat his opponent.

Hamli, who is a distinguished boxing champion in Spain, made a significant run in 2025 to claim the PFL MENA title, securing multiple submission victories. When questioned about the confidence boost from these recent submission finishes, given his prior striking prowess, Salah Eddine Hamli remarked that he was perceived as a newcomer to the division, hailing from Spain and new to international competition. He has since showcased his skills, with PFL fans already familiar with his grappling abilities. He reiterated his background as a boxing champion in Spain and his readiness to compete in any aspect of a fight, be it striking or grappling, drawing a parallel to Ilia Topuria’s versatility.

In light of the PFL’s recent structural changes that have garnered positive reception, Hamli affirmed that the promotion is performing exceptionally well. He highlighted the PFL’s investment in numerous new prospects from around the globe and praised the tournament format for its ability to showcase a wide array of talent. He expressed his anticipation for the May 24th event in Dubai, eager to demonstrate the high level of skilled fighters within PFL MENA.

Offering his final thoughts, Hamli expressed gratitude for the invitation and conveyed his intention to once again prove why he is the champion, undefeated, and the best lightweight in the world. He acknowledged that such a statement might seem audacious but stressed that it stems from his genuine belief in his skills and his training with numerous UFC fighters. He humorously declared himself to be like Goku from Dragon Ball Z, a series he deeply admires, and referred to his opponent, Djiroun, as Broly, anticipating a decisive victory over him.