‘Secret weapon’: PFL MENA champion Omar El-Dafrawy credits daily discipline for success

DUBAI: What does it take to succeed in MMA? If you ask PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar “God First” El-Dafrawy, it is all about commitment.

“For me, discipline and consistency are not just training methods — they are a lifestyle,” El-Dafrawy said.

“I believe that true mental balance comes from daily commitment, from showing up and giving your all even when the body feels exhausted.

“That is the secret weapon that has allowed me to rise from difficult times and stay focused on the bigger picture.”

The Egyptian star is currently on an incredible run in the PFL and is gearing up for the biggest fight of his professional career.

After capturing the PFL MENA Welterweight Championship last season, “God First” will be competing at “PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch” card on Oct. 3 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

El-Dafrawy, 30, did go through some tough times during his career. At one point, he dropped four straight fights, but is now on an impressive eight-fight winning streak.

The turning point, El-Dafrawy says, was his 2024 UAE Warriors win over Abdullah Boushehri. The first-round KO win was the performance that earned him a look from the PFL.

“Ever since my victory over Abdullah Boushehri, I have felt like a new fighter. That bout was more than just a win — it was a defining moment that allowed me to completely rebuild my confidence after going through a series of setbacks.

“From that night onward, I knew without a doubt that I could finish any opponent put in front of me.”

When El-Dafrawy returns to the SmartCage on Friday, he will have a tough challenge in PFL Europe Champion Florim Zendeli.

“Now, as I prepare to face Europe’s champion, I see this as another crucial step on my path to global