logo
Strong Competition on Opening Day of UAE National MMA Championship 3 in Dubai

Strong Competition on Opening Day of UAE National MMA Championship 3 in Dubai

Web Release13-04-2025
By Editor_wr Last updated Apr 12, 2025
The UAE National MMA Championship 3, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, kicked off Saturday at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai with intense competition. The event attracted a large crowd and featured rising talents representing clubs and academies nationwide.
The opening day included bouts in the Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), and Youth B (14 – 15 years) categories, with athletes delivering high-level performances that met expectations. The tournament concludes tomorrow, Sunday, with competitions in the Youth A (16–17 years) and Adult (18+ years) categories.
His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said, 'We are proud of the strong performances we saw today and the impressive participation of our sons and daughters, especially those who are just starting their journey. These categories are the foundation for the future of the sport and show that the Federation's efforts to develop talent are paying off.'
Al Dhaheri added that the high level of public engagement, world-class organisation, and quality of the fights all reflect the growing importance of the championship locally and motivate continued efforts to provide the ideal environment for developing a generation of champions capable of succeeding on various stages.
Zakaria Bichi, coach of Primal Gym Abu Dhabi, said: 'We're taking part in this edition with seven athletes, and several of them have won gold medals thanks to strong preparation and serious commitment during training. This championship is a key milestone in their careers, especially when it comes to building confidence and gaining experience. We've seen how mixed martial arts in the country continue to grow every year. This is a result of the Federation's ongoing commitment to organising high-level events that help shape a new generation of champions.'
Suhair Almarzooqi, mother of 14-year-old Hamad Alsaboori from ADMA Academy, said, 'We're proud to see our children take part in a tournament of this level, as it helps them improve their athletic skills, build character, and boost their confidence. Today, sports are more than just physical activity. They are a powerful way to teach discipline, responsibility, and the importance of working towards goals. We're grateful to the Federation for organising this championship, which gives our children the right environment to explore their potential and make the most of their free time in a way that benefits them and supports their future.'
Emirati Hamda Ali Khalfan Almutwa of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, who won gold in Youth Girls / Female / Youth C / -37kg division, said, 'Since I began my career in martial arts, I have dreamed of this moment. Winning the gold medal today makes me feel proud and gives me even more motivation to train and improve. Thank you to everyone who supported me. I hope to be a role model for all girls who dream of reaching the podium.'
Comments are closed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Alblooshi wins UAE's first gold medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
Alblooshi wins UAE's first gold medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain

Gulf Today

time10 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Alblooshi wins UAE's first gold medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain

The UAE's Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation's first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the men's Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final. Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division. Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze. Day three of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight classes. The event, hosted in the Al Ain region for the first time and running until July 27, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Wednesday's competitions were attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi; Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Rashed Musabah Al Manei, the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri is the Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Federation. Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, Member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said, 'We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year's championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.' Earlier, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships officially got underway on Monday in the Al Ain. The event, held in the city for the first time, is taking place at ADNEC Centre Al Ain and features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. The UAE National Team made an impressive start on the opening day. Their performance highlighted their strong technical preparation and determination to achieve further success throughout the week. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports.

Saif Alblooshi Wins UAE's First Gold Medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
Saif Alblooshi Wins UAE's First Gold Medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain

Web Release

time10 hours ago

  • Web Release

Saif Alblooshi Wins UAE's First Gold Medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain

The UAE's Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation's first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the men's Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final. Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division. Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze. Day three of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight classes. The event, hosted in the Al Ain Region for the first time and running until July 27, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Wednesday's competitions were attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; H.E. Rashed Musabah Al Manei, the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri is the Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; and Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Federation. Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, Member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said, 'We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year's championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.'

Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Partner to Celebrate Emirati Heritage at Dubai World Cup
Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Partner to Celebrate Emirati Heritage at Dubai World Cup

Hi Dubai

time12 hours ago

  • Hi Dubai

Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Partner to Celebrate Emirati Heritage at Dubai World Cup

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Racing Club (DRC) to promote Emirati heritage and strengthen cultural engagement at the Dubai World Cup. The partnership aims to infuse the globally celebrated sporting event with authentic cultural experiences that reflect the values and traditions of the UAE. The agreement, signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, sets the foundation for joint initiatives that spotlight both tangible and intangible aspects of Emirati culture. The two organisations will collaborate on cultural programming, share expertise, and co-develop experiences that showcase the richness of the UAE's local identity to international audiences. 'This MoU aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his ongoing commitment to preserving our national heritage while projecting it globally,' said Hala Badri. 'Through this partnership, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for local talent and strengthen the cultural and creative industries by providing a world-class platform to share their work.' Badri emphasized that the collaboration will play a vital role in supporting Dubai Culture's mission of safeguarding heritage for future generations. By incorporating creative content and traditional expressions into the Dubai World Cup experience, the initiative aims to enhance community pride and reinforce Dubai's global standing as a cultural and tourism hub. Ali Al Ali noted that the partnership reflects Dubai Racing Club's ambition to blend sport and culture in innovative ways. 'Working with Dubai Culture enhances the Dubai World Cup's identity as more than just a racing event,' he said. 'It becomes a celebration of our roots, traditions, and national values. As we look ahead to the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, this collaboration comes at the perfect moment to spotlight the UAE's enduring heritage on a global platform.' Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has grown into one of the world's most prestigious horse racing events. This new cultural collaboration promises to elevate the spectator experience by integrating artistic and heritage elements that celebrate the spirit of the Emirates. News Source: Dubai Media Office

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store