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DUBAI: Salah Eddine Hamli will step into the SmartCage in Alkhobar on Dec. 5 carrying more than just the weight of an undefeated record.

The 27-year-old Moroccan faces Iraq’s Mohammad Fahmi in the PFL MENA Lightweight Championship final, a moment which represents something he’s been chasing since childhood.

“I feel incredible and eager to show the young Salah Eddine who dreamed of this that dreams do come true,” he said.

For athletes like Hamli, accomplishing a lifelong dream and reaching a championship final after years of grinding through smaller promotions and amateur ranks represents validation of every early morning training session, every sacrifice and every moment of doubt overcome. It brings a psychological clarity, a sense of purpose.

Accomplishing such goals can shift an athlete’s perspective on what is possible. It proves that dedication and discipline can transform dreams into reality. For Hamli, Dec. 5 represents the culmination of that journey.

His path to this title bout has shaped Hamli into one of the region’s most dangerous grapplers. Training out of Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, he works alongside featherweight star Ilia Topuria.

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

His submission-heavy finishing arsenal made him a stand-out in the PFL MENA lightweight tournament. In May, he submitted Abbas Khan via rear-naked choke in the third round, and in September he used an arm-triangle choke to finish Souhil Tairi in the semifinals.

“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,” said Hamli. “I have very strong goals and that keeps me disciplined, no matter what.

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

It is the knowledge he is representing his parents and his people that will drive him to realize his ambitions.

Hamli’s professional record sits at an impressive 10-0. His average fight duration is just 1.7 rounds, underlining his ability to end fights decisively. Standing 6 feet tall and with a reach of 185 centimeters, he has substantial measurements at lightweight. 

However, his forthcoming opponent, Fahmi, presents a significant challenge. The Iraqi fighter carries his own perfect 6-0 record into this bout, and he has made his mark by submitting high-level competition in shocking fashion. Most notably, he submitted defending champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi, a fighter with five Wushu Sanda World Championship gold medals, in the first round via rear-naked choke at 4:25.

Both fighters earned their spots through submission victories in the semifinals, setting up a classic grappler-versus-grappler matchup. Fahmi holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo, while Hamli brings a blue belt and wrestling-based top control. 

“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,” said Hamli.

And if he wins the belt? What comes after will also carry special significance.

“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,” he said. “I’m very happy with the support from the fans and this Dec. 5 you’re going to see the best finale ever, I promise you lots of action.”