Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 12, 2023: Thirty-two Emirati fighters are gearing up to compete in the Youth MMA Championship 5, which will be held tomorrow at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The one-day event will feature athletes competing in different categories and is organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
Fighters from prominent UAE clubs, including Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, The Force Sports, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, ADMA, and Wolves Zone MMA Academy, are set to clash in what is expected to be an action-packed evening full of enthusiasm and intense competition.
Commenting on tomorrow’s event, Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said, “We are thrilled to see the level of interest and participation in the Youth MMA Championship 5, which underscores the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in the UAE. We are proud to support the development of local talent and provide a platform for young Emirati fighters to showcase their skills and prepare them for major international events.”
“We are delighted to see the overwhelming interest from Emiratis to take part in the event, as it enables them to prepare optimally for the big event in August, the World Youth MMA Championship. We are fully confident to see what they are about to bring tomorrow, and we would request MMA enthusiasts in the country to show up at the Arena tomorrow and encourage the fighters.”
Ahmed Aljaberi from The Force Sports Academy, who competes in the Youth/Male/Lightweight (-70.3kg) division, expressed his delight about participating in the competition, saying “I feel very excited to participate in this edition of the tournament, as it is my first time, and I am looking forward to giving a performance worthy of the effort I put into my training.”
“The tournament is an essential platform in the athletes’ journey of preparation for the World Youth MMA Championship in Abu Dhabi. It is the most significant event for us, and we are eager to honor our nation and raise the UAE flag to the podium. I commend the federation’s efforts in promoting sports and organising the best tournaments that attract elite fighters from the region and the world,” AlJaberi added.
Omar Alraeesi from Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, competing in the Youth / Male / Youth B / -57kg division, is also equally thrilled. “We are eagerly anticipating the championship, and we have prepared well and continuously for this tournament as it provides an ideal atmosphere and a distinguished professional environment that simulates the most prominent international tournaments. It is the best way for us to prepare for the World MMA Youth Championship in Abu Dhabi.”
The Youth MMA Championship 5 is deemed significant as Abu Dhabi is set to host the highly anticipated 2023 IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships, scheduled to take place from August 2-5. The IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships is the most prominent sporting event on the international MMA calendar, attracting elite champions from all corners of the world. The event promises to be an exciting display of the skills and talent of the young fighters, and fans of MMA are encouraged to come and support their favorite athletes. The tournament will kick off at 3:00 PM tomorrow at the Mubadala Arena.
