Dubai: Young mixed martial arts talents from leading UAE clubs and academies took center stage at the Youth MMA Championship held at Dubai’s Shabab Al Ahli Club on Saturday. The event featured over 100 youths aged 12-17, with 62 bouts across various weight and age divisions.
The championship served as a precursor to the upcoming IMMAF Youth World Championships, highlighting some of the UAE’s finest up-and-coming athletes. The performances demonstrated their readiness for August’s major gathering of young MMA athletes.
Mohammed Bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed pride in the young athletes’ skills and technical prowess. He emphasized the importance of such events for skill development and competitive experience.
“In August, Abu Dhabi will host the IMMAF Youth World Championships for the third consecutive year. Today’s championship was crucial in refining our athletes’ talents and preparing them for the global stage,” said Al Dhaheri.
Ahmed Al Janahi from the Dubai Sports Council praised the Federation’s efforts in organizing prestigious events. “The Youth MMA Championship enhances competition quality, strengthens the country’s leadership in the sport, and helps discover and hone talent,” he said.
Yazan Yaseen, a coach at The Force Sports, noted the growth in organization and athlete performance over the past three championships. “By involving more youth athletes, we create a strong base for the National Team, producing future champions,” Yaseen added.
Yaseen highlighted his team’s improvement, with their participation almost doubling from the last event. “Events like this test their skills against the best in the country, and I hope some of our team members will make it to the National Team soon,” he said.
Emirati Hamad Jassim, representing ADMA, won first place in the Youth C (12-13 years old) / -40kg category. “I’m thrilled with today’s win. The competitions were tough, but hard training and focus helped me succeed. I’m excited to keep training for future championships,” Jassim said.
Abdulla Andeez from Shabab AlAhli Dubai, who won gold in Youth B (14-15 years old) / -62kg, shared his experience. “I worked hard to prepare, focusing on strength and fighting skills. Competing here was a great experience, helping me get ready for future international competitions,” he said.
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