This photo shows participants in action on the opening day of the Youth MMA Championship.
bay today, Journalist
The competitive third edition of the Youth MMA Championship took place at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City on Saturday, marking the start of another busy season for the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation.
The first day of the two-day tournament produced some serious rivalry, with a round of 19 fight card set to ignite the crowd by the UAE youth.
The main event saw Mohammed Al Shehhi decisively defeat Butti Al Ameri in the 65.5kg division at the end of a busy afternoon in which 38 fighters, mainly Emirati, ascended the octagon in front of an enthusiastic crowd .
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Abdul Monem Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the UAE MMA Council and Senior Vice President of MMA Asia, and Mohamed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Vice-President of the Federation of Championships were present.
Al Hashemi, President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “Our aim is to make Abu Dhabi the global MMA capital and the destination of choice for champions from around the world.
“The support of the country’s wise leadership is the cornerstone of this goal and events like this weekend help the growth of mixed martial arts in the UAE and the region, paving the way for Abu Dhabi to host the World Junior MMA Championships next August , a tournament that the whole world will watch.” Dhaheri, Chairman of UAEJJF UAE MMA Committee and Senior Vice-President of Asian MMA Federation, praised the level of competition and professional organization on the first day of the championship. “Kicking off the new season with this event demonstrates the growing importance of mixed martial arts on the agenda of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which is constantly working to build a platform capable of attracting stars from different continents.
“Now more than ever, Abu Dhabi is an important destination to showcase talent and develop champions.”
Erhama Al Shamsi (54kg) beat his opponent with a rear block in the second round and immediately expressed his delight at winning his first bout in MMA.
“It was a tough fight, especially when I lost the first round, but I was focused and gave everything I could to win by submission. I’m looking forward to my next fight.”
Zayed Al Hammadi, competing in the 48kg category, also won the second round with a tail choke. He praised the special atmosphere of the competition: “The championship represents an ideal preparation for the World Championships in Abu Dhabi in August.
“My goal is to continue to develop and grow and be fully prepared to compete for the world title.”