Fighter Salah, representing Climent Club, suffered a tough defeat in PFL MENA, losing by TKO in the first round against Frenchman Ylies Djiroun. The fight, held in Dubai, cost him his lightweight championship and his undefeated record, marking a turning point in his professional career. 🥊
Technical analysis of striking and defense in the fight 🔍
Djiroun executed a fight plan based on constant pressure and short-range strikes. Salah tried to maintain distance with jabs but failed in his high-hand defense, leaving his jaw exposed. The Frenchman landed a right cross followed by a liver hook that destabilized Salah. The referee stopped the fight after a flurry of ground strikes, with Salah showing no defensive reaction. Lack of head movement and poor guard coverage were key factors in the defeat.
The undefeated record went on vacation to Dubai without a return ticket ✈️
Salah arrived in Dubai with his belt and undefeated record as carry-on luggage. But Ylies Djiroun, with his TKO, checked both directly into the plane's cargo hold. Now the former champion will have to queue at the PFL MENA lost and found office to see if anyone at least returns his passport. Sure, at least the trip to Dubai was free, even if it cost him the title.