Abu Dhabi: UAE athletes made a significant mark at the fifth Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) on Friday at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, securing major victories in jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts.
Key UAE Wins:
- Omar Al Suwaidi: The 21-year-old dominated US’s Samuel Marquez, winning by unanimous decision.
- Balqees Al Hashmi: She controlled her match against Russia’s Maria Odintsova, winning unanimously.
International Highlights:
- Urijah Faber (USA): Defeated Brazil’s Bibiano Fernandes in the no-gi category, demonstrating his wrestling skills and stamina. Faber praised the event and expressed respect for his opponent after his unanimous decision victory.
- Rayron Gracie (Brazil): Secured his second consecutive ADXC victory by submission against Marcos Carrozzino, dedicating his win to his uncle, Renzo Gracie.
- Chad Mendes (USA): Overcame Brazilian Diego Brandão with a unanimous decision, showcasing superior head control and takedowns.
- Pedro Ramalho (Portugal): Narrowly defeated Sweden’s Max Lindblad by split decision in a technical gi battle.
Other Notable Matches:
- Pouya Rahmani (Iran): Achieved victory against Hamdy Abdelwahab with a choke hold after a single-leg takedown.
- Davi Vetoraci (Brazil): Won against Tunisian Amin Boudhina with an armbar submission.
- Seilkhan Bolatbek (Kazakhstan): Quickly defeated Emad Ahmedin of the Netherlands.
- Abe “The Killer” Alsaghir (USA): Triumphed over Chinese fighter Xiaosong Shi, maintaining pressure and securing a unanimous decision win.
The event, featuring 14 high-level matchups and athletes from 26 countries, was attended by notable figures, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, Tarik bin Faisal Al-Qasimi, and Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei.
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