Latest news with #RTU
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UFC mulls regional series for Middle East fighters
27 July 2025 23:33 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Reinier de Ridder claimed the biggest victory of his MMA career on Saturday night, outpointing former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the headline bout of UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena. The shock result capped an action-packed 12-fight card and ended with renewed optimism about the sport's growth in the Gulf UFC's Senior Vice-President, David Shaw, confirmed post-event that the promotion is actively exploring the idea of launching a regional feeder programme in some shape or name, like a 'Road to UFC (RTU) or a challenger series of some sorts or anything else.' The concept could open new pathways for aspiring fighters from the Middle East and surrounding countries.'A concept like RTU would make a lot of sense, I think,' Shaw said. 'Even this season, it's the first time we've added non-Asian athletes. We had Kiwis and Aussies in the mix, so opening that up to fighters from the Middle East or Gulf countries is very much in the conversation. But no definitive plans yet.'Shaw suggested that such a move would align with the UFC's broader strategy of expanding its global footprint through off-prime events tailored to regional time zones. 'We've talked about our eight off-prime events – six of which are generally aligned with the UK, Europe, and Middle East time zones. There are a lot of great countries that we've been to before and hope to revisit,' he said. Inside the octagon, Dutchman de Ridder proved a dominant force against the heavily favoured Whittaker, controlling the pace to earn a split decision. The result raised questions about Whittaker's future in the division and boosted de Ridder's case for a title run. It was to be the beginning of the end for Whittaker, but the end seemed to have come at the start of the American's one last-ditch comeback mission to reclaim the middleweight division title. Despite his last match ending in defeat – in ugly fashion with three of his teeth taken out – Whittaker was the sentimental favourite purely on his vast it was the fairly raw Ridder who fought smart against Whittaker. Having appeared in five fights in exactly a year, starting from Abu Dhabi this time last year, De Ridder took a heavy beating in the third round, but pinned down Whittaker in the next two rounds into submission while landing small but consistent jabs with more ground control time.'I will be relaxing for a couple weeks and then we'll see [who could be a possible next rival],' said de Ridder. 'But we will see what happens. There's a lot going on in the middleweight division in the next couple of weeks.'De Ridder acknowledged Abu Dhabi's role in clearing him from the legal battle with his former promotion ONE Championship while notching his fourth successive victory in UFC since his debut. 'Habibi. Abu Dhabi. Shukran. I love you guys,' he said immediately after the fight. 'I'm a top-five fighter in the world, I guess. That's crazy. Who can believe it? And in one year! I think I have a good chance fighting for the title someday soon,' he UAE connection had a bitter-sweet evening as Emirati lightweight Mohammad Yahya lost to Stephen Nguyen, the latter notching up a record six knockdowns and earning the Fight of the Night award as a bonus. Still, Shaw acknowledged the need for structured development platforms in the region to take some shape, like the Road to UFC. The UAE, for instance, held a Showdown Week, which included a dual card 61&62 of the UAE Warriors promotion while introducing an inter-continental title between African and Arab fighters. The UAE's Al Ain region is hosting back-to-back the MMA Youth World Championship and the World Grappling Championship. While talks are ongoing, Shaw confirmed that it is part of the agenda for the UFC team behind an ever-evolving schedule. 'It's reasonable to think it's possible,' he said. 'When we are back to the war room every Tuesday, I'm sure Dana [White, president] and the crew will figure it out.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Theni villages honour ‘Thatha' James Kimpton
Theni: At the St Peter's Higher Secondary School in G Kallupatty, where generations of rural children once found a foothold in life, Thursday's evening assembly turned into a celebration of gratitude and memory. The occasion was the 100th birth anniversary of James Kimpton, the Englishman who became family to thousands in villages around Theni and is now remembered not just as a mentor or missionary, but as Thatha, their own grandfather. The school, founded under his guidance, hosted a vibrant ceremony attended by students, alumni, and community members. Among them was Chennai corporation joint commissioner V P Jeyaseelan, who studied at the school and credited Kimpton's vision for his life's journey. Born in 1925 in North Wales, Kimpton joined De La Salle Brothers and began his missionary work in England and Sri Lanka before coming to Madurai in 1964. In 1977, he moved to G Kallupatti, where he founded 'Reaching the Unreached' (RTU). Over the decades, he built 8,700 houses, dug 2,400 borewells, and opened schools, hostels, vocational training centres, and healthcare services that touched the lives of thousands in Theni and Dindigul districts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo As HIV cases rose in the region in the early 2000s, Kimpton opened his doors to over 1,000 HIV-positive children, offering them care and dignity when few would. "Initially, we observed his birth anniversary without much fervour, but since 2022, villagers from across communities have asked to be part of it. So we formed a committee with representatives from all sections to organise the celebrations," said Fr Antony Paulsamy OFM, chairman of RTU. Today, RTU continues Kimpton's mission with mobile tailoring units, science vans for govt schools, free education, anganwadis, women's self-help groups, and food support for elderly people. Kimpton passed away in 2017 at the age of 92, but the reverence he commands remains alive and growing. In these villages, he is more than a benefactor, he is a guardian spirit, remembered in song, procession, and in the grateful hearts of those who call him Thatha.
