ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Emirati Muay Thai fighter Mohammed Mardi etched his name in history by claiming the inaugural Arab Welterweight Championship title in Abu Dhabi to mark a "truly unforgettable" career moment. Mardi's spectacular performance was part of the first Arab Fight Night Muay Thai Championship, held at the Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach.
"This title is incredibly special to me, not just because it's the first of its kind, but because it represents the passion and determination of our nation. Competing against some of the best fighters from the Arab world and emerging victorious is a moment I'll cherish forever," said Mardi, a four-time world champion with a 28-4 win-loss record.
One of the most talented young fighters, the 22-year-old also holds a gold medal won at the World Youth Championship and three more in the senior divisions.
The championship was a night of intense competition, with 28 elite fighters from 14 Arab nations coming together for some exciting bouts. Mardi had a hard-fought semi-final victory against Morocco's Hamza Rachid, before he faced Algeria's Lyes Ouari in the final showdown.
Ranked eighth in the world in the 67-kilogramme category with 720 points, Mardi scored a massive upset win over the fancied Rachid, ranked world No. 4 with 1776 points.
Known for his resilience and tactical brilliance, Mardi dominated the ring, sealing his victory against Ouari with a unanimous decision after three thrilling rounds.
"Lyes is a formidable opponent with a 17-6 professional record, and he kept coming at me despite the early damage to his forehead. But I knew I had the strength and strategy to take this title home.
"This win is for the UAE and for everyone who believed in me. This championship was more than just a fight; it was a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support of our fans and trainers," he added.
The victories of the UAE's rising stars were a highlight, with Ahmad Al Shammar overpowering Libya's Mohammed Al Kharaz in the bantamweight division, Rafi Ramzi securing a decisive win against Tunisia's Souhaib Skik in the light heavyweight category, and Ibrahim Bilal delivering a third-round stoppage win against Iraq's Bahman Mohammed in the super lightweight division.
All participants showed mutual respect and displayed sportsmanship in the true spirit of Muay Thai.
The co-main event featured a fierce heavyweight clash between Morocco's Othman Fakaki and Tunisia's Mohammed Trabelsi, which ended in a thrilling tie, with both fighters earning 28 points after a gruelling battle.
"What we witnessed has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation (UMTKF), reflected on the Championship with pride.
"The energy, the skill, the sheer passion from all the fighters – this event has set a new standard for Muay Thai in the Arab world. We've shown that Abu Dhabi is not just a participant but a leader in the global Muay Thai community," he remarked.
"We owe this success to the relentless support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision and backing have been pivotal in bringing this championship to life.
"This is only the beginning; we are committed to fostering the sport across the Arab world and providing a platform for our athletes to shine on the global stage. I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead," Al Neyadi said.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including Stephen Fox, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations; diplomats of Thailand and Tunisia, Sorayot Chasombat and Hossam Al-Din Dekheel; presidents of MT federations from Libya and Iraq – Mohammed Al Sharif, also Vice President of the Arab MT Federation and Mustafa Jabbar Alick respectively – among other officials of the Arab federation, the UMTKF and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.