UAE MMA Championship 3 in Dubai

The third edition of the UAE National MMA Championship, hosted by the UAE’s Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, kicked off on Saturday at Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai.

A packed audience watched as young competitors from clubs and academies across the nation showcased their skills.

The first day of the tournament included matches in the Youth D (ages 10-11), Youth C (ages 12-13), and Youth B (ages 14-15) categories, while Sunday will feature competitions for Youth A (ages 16-17) and Adults (ages 18 and above).

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE’s Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed pride in the performances seen on the opening day, highlighting the significant participation of both boys and girls, particularly those just beginning their martial arts journeys.

“These youth categories are the foundation of the sport’s future and demonstrate the success of the federation’s efforts to nurture new talent,” Al-Dhaheri noted.

He further emphasized that the event’s strong public turnout, excellent organization, and the quality of the matches underscore the growing significance of the championship locally, as well as the federation’s commitment to fostering an ideal environment for cultivating successful athletes.

Zakaria Bichi, coach at Primal Gym Abu Dhabi, shared that their team participated with seven athletes, several of whom secured gold medals due to intensive preparation and dedication during training.

Bichi highlighted the championship as a critical step in the athletes’ careers, helping to build their confidence and expertise.

“We’ve witnessed the significant growth of mixed martial arts in the UAE over the past years, thanks to the federation’s dedication to organizing top-tier events that shape future champions,” he said.

Suhair Almarzooqi, the mother of 14-year-old Hamad Alsaboori from ADMA Academy, expressed her pride at seeing her son compete in the tournament.

“Participating in an event of this caliber helps improve their athletic skills, build character, and boost their confidence,” she said.

Almarzooqi also pointed out that sports today represent much more than physical activity, as they teach discipline, responsibility, and the value of working towards goals.

She commended the federation for creating a platform for young athletes to maximize their potential while making productive use of their time.

Meanwhile, Emirati athlete Hamda Ali Khalfan Almutwa, from Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, clinched a gold medal in her division and shared her excitement.

“Since starting my martial arts career, I have dreamed of this moment.

Winning the gold medal today fills me with pride and motivates me to continue training and improving,” she said.

Almutwa also expressed gratitude to her supporters and hoped to inspire other girls aiming for their own success on the podium.

Source: arabnews

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