Fighters hail impact of UAE National MMA Championship

The first edition of the UAE National MMA Championship continued to deliver excitement and fierce competition on its second and final day at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event featured bouts in the adults’ and Youth A (for athletes aged 16 to 17) categories, offering a glimpse into the future of mixed martial arts in the UAE.

The Youth A category showcased exceptional skills, technical discipline, and tactical responsiveness, underscoring the potential of young athletes. Meanwhile, the adults’ category brought intense and thrilling matches, raising the overall level of the championship and underlining its role in developing athletes, refining their abilities, and inspiring them to achieve greater milestones.

Omar Al Raisi of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club was delighted with his victory in the Youth A category, 56 kg.

“Winning the gold medal in this championship is a proud moment for me. It reflects the hard work and determination I put in during the preparation period. The matches were tough, but I managed to overcome the challenges through focus and the excellent support of the technical staff. This medal is just the start of a bigger journey, and I will continue to work hard to represent the national team in future events,” he said.

Colombian athlete Fernanda Mendez from ADMA Academy thanked the organisers for giving female fighters a wonderful platform to showcase their skills.

“This championship is a great opportunity to grow and compete at a high level. It highlights the strong support for women’s sports and the increasing presence of women in the field, which strengthens our position as athletes," she said.

"My goal is to achieve the best results and continue to represent women honourably in this sport.”