ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC 2) will take place on Friday (19 January 2024) at Mubadala Arena. The main card features a rematch between Ali Monfaradi and Talison, in a three-round, three-minute encounter.

The match marks rematch between Bahraini Ali Monfaradi and Brazil’s Talison Costa, after a closely contested encounter in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship Master 1 division final in November 2023.

Ali Monfaradi said: “I may have won our last encounter and am the current World Champion in our division, but I am under no false impressions, Talison is a very capable athlete, and this is a very different ruleset.Our previous matches were rooted in strategy and tactics. In the ADXC ruleset, we will see a very different match where we will both be taking more risks, and I have tirelessly prepared in my training camp accordingly.

“When we compete, we usually showcase only 5-10% of our technique. I wouldn’t say I’m preparing specific techniques; it’s more about refining my arsenal across a spectrum of possible positions.

“I would like to have a progressive, aggressive, and flexible game. But athleticism is very important as well. There’s also the fact that you are frequently reset at the end of every round. It’s still jiu-jitsu, but it requires a different kind of training camp, that’s for sure.”

Talison Costa said “I have had 13 MMA fights and I’m accustomed to pressing opponents against the cage. Performing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the cage presents some differences. Due to my familiarity with it, I believe that in the takedown game, this will provide me with a slight advantage. However, given that it’s a jiu-jitsu fight, anything can happen. I hope to leverage this experience to my advantage.

“Last season, I faced Ali three times, winning twice and losing in the World Pro final. I believe that fighting at ADXC will be a special moment in my career, even more so fighting against a tough opponent who has my respect, which is where I hope we can put on a show for the public in the arena.”

Monfaradi and Costa are set to participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour 2023-2024 - Tokyo Masters on January 13, marking the event's return to Japan after five years. The duo could, possibly, face each other in the competition, which is also considered a precursor for the ADXC 2. Moreover, Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Omar Al Suwaidi, and Manuel Ribamar, all part of the ADXC 2 fight card, are also slated to take part in the Tokyo event.