Submission specialists headline Arabia v Africa card
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi is set to host a double dose of mixed martial arts (MMA) action this weekend as UAE Warriors stages its 59th and 60th events at Space42 Arena in Al Raha. With two action-packed cards featuring regional stars and international contenders, fans are bracing for fireworks inside the octagon – especially with two high-stakes main events headlining each night.The spotlight first falls on Friday's regional UAEW 59 or Arabia v Africa card, where Palestinian-Finnish sensation Abdul Hussein meets Algeria's Sami Yahia in a bantamweight main event that is being billed as a clash of silken submission specialists.Hussein, nicknamed "The Limb-Locker", has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the UAE Warriors promotion. Undefeated in three bouts under the banner and five in a row overall, he boasts a trio of memorable finishes: a first-round submission over Mahmoud Abd El Raouf on debut, followed by a second-round TKO of Hansraj Samota, and most recently, a clinical bulldog choke that dispatched Eduardo Mora in Al Ain.With a stellar Pro MMA Record of 12-2-0, Abdul is swiftly becoming one of MMA's most promising talents. He has been undefeated since his debut loss at Al Etihad Arena, making him a fan favourite in Abu Dhabi.His opponent, Sami Yahia, brings a veteran presence to the cage with one defeat in nine bouts and a well-rounded skillset forged on the European circuit. The Algerian-born French fighter is known for combining striking volume with suffocating wrestling and cage control. Ranked among the top 40 bantamweights globally, Yahia will be looking to derail Hussein's momentum and make a title case of his own with a fourth successive victory run.The bout is being framed as a clash of styles: Hussein's ground game is his biggest weapon, and if the fight goes to the mat, he'll be hunting for another slick submission. Yahia, on the other hand, may try to keep the bout standing, using his experience and cardio to drag the younger fighter into deep waters. While fan sentiment is heavily leaning toward Hussein, the main event is anything but a foregone conclusion."I see myself much better in all areas in this MMA," said Hussein while talking about his rival Yahia and the strategic match-up. "If we are standing, I have the advantage. If he takes me down, I will submit him; or I will sweep him and elbow him from the top. So I have been training for all scenarios at two places [in Finland] and I must say this has been my best preparation for any fight."The UFC hopeful even went one step ahead in his show of confidence. "I can already see myself with the belt around my waist and see Dana White [the UFC President] calling me," said Hussein with a mischievous grin.Saturday night brings the stakes even higher with UAE Warriors 60, headlined by a clash for the Interim Flyweight Championship between Brazil's Victor Nunes and the UK-based Somalian, Muhidin Abubakar. Nunes enters the bout with a 9–1 record and a reputation as a knockout artist. He'll be aiming to impose his striking game and secure the interim belt with an emphatic finish.Standing across from him will be Abubakar, a grappling specialist riding a five-fight win streak. Known for his durability and submission savvy, he's seen by many as the more complete fighter heading into this matchup. Currently ranked second in the UK and Ireland's flyweight division, Abubakar is fighting not just for the interim title, but to stake a claim for undisputed gold down the line. With the stylistic contrast – striker versus grappler – the fight promises tension and drama.
Beyond the two headline acts, both cards feature plenty of intrigue. With potential champions, highlight-reel finishes, and reputations on the line, UAE Warriors 59 and 60 promise to deliver two nights of unmissable action.
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