Intense competition heats up at Youth MMA Championship held at Dubai’s Shabab Al Ahli Club

The Youth MMA Championship held at Dubai’s Shabab Al Ahli Club on Saturday was a showcase of talent and determination as young mixed martial arts athletes from the leading clubs and academies in the UAE battled it out in a series of intense bouts. With over 100 youths aged 12-17 participating in 62 fights across various weight and age divisions, the championship was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship.

The event, considered a stepping stone to the upcoming IMMAF Youth World Championships in August, provided a platform for the UAE’s rising stars to shine. Representing their respective clubs and academies, these young fighters demonstrated their prowess and readiness to compete on the international stage.

Mohammed Bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, commended the athletes for their exceptional performance at the championship. He emphasized the importance of such events in helping athletes develop their skills and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.

The upcoming IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi will see these young talents showcase their skills on a global platform. Al Dhaheri highlighted the significance of events like the Youth MMA Championship in preparing the athletes to represent their nation and compete against the best in the world.

Ahmed Al Janahi, a representative of the Dubai Sports Council, praised the efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts Federation in organizing prestigious sporting events like the Youth MMA Championship. He noted that such competitions play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of sports in the country and nurturing future champions.

Yazan Yaseen, a coach at The Force Sports, expressed his satisfaction with the growth and performance of the athletes in the championship. He emphasized the importance of involving more youth athletes to build a strong foundation for the National Team and produce future champions.

One of the standout performers at the championship was Emirati Hamad Jassim, representing ADMA, who clinched first place in the Youth C (-40kg) category. Jassim credited his hard work and focus for his victory and expressed his excitement to continue training and competing in future championships to achieve his goals.

Abdulla Andeez from Shabab AlAhli Dubai also impressed with his gold medal win in the Youth B (-62kg) category. Andeez highlighted the importance of preparation and improvement in his fighting skills, noting that the experience gained from competing in the championship will help him in future international competitions.

Overall, the Youth MMA Championship was a testament to the talent and dedication of young martial artists in the UAE. With their eyes set on the upcoming IMMAF Youth World Championships, these athletes are poised to make their mark on the global stage and continue to raise the profile of MMA in the region.