Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Warriors 64 fight night promises to open an electrifying week of combat sports in the capital, with 26 fighters and three title bouts set to take the stage at ADNEC Arena on Wednesday evening, just days before UFC 321 takes over the Etihad Arena.
Established as the UAE’s flagship mixed martial arts promotion, UAE Warriors has become a vital proving ground for regional and international fighters seeking to make the step up to the sport’s biggest stage.
President Fouad Darwish pointed out during the pre-event press conference that the organisation sees itself as a bridge – not a rival – to the UFC.
“Everyone’s dream is ours,” said Darwish at the conference held at Al Qana’s Pixoul Gaming hall. “We are not yet ready to be in competition with the UFC, and we don’t want to be. We celebrate every fighter who makes it there. The more of them that move to bigger organisations, the stronger our purpose becomes.”
Darwish revealed that over 50 former UAE Warriors fighters have already advanced to global promotions, including the UFC and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
“When it comes to heart and diversity, we are second to none,” he added. “We believe in every athlete who steps into our cage – even those making their debut.”
The UAE Warriors 64 line-up features athletes from across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central Asia, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the world’s most active combat sports hubs. With as many as three title bouts on the night’s programme, Darwish had no hesitation in calling this the “best fight card ever” in the history of the homegrown promotion since it started in 2018.
The headline bout is the lightweight title clash between Amru Magomedov (Russia) and Martun Mezhlumyan (Armenia), a bout that apparently has many MMA enthusiasts excited.
For a change, there are two co-main events. Iago Ribeiro of Brazil goes up against Muhidin Abubakar of Somalia for the flyweight title. The next one is a bantamweight unification bout between two champions – Asaf Chopurov (Russia) and Demarte Pena (South Africa).
Each of the 26 fighters on the packed card is looking to make a statement in front of UFC matchmakers and scouts expected to attend during fight week.
Magomedov, who trained between Armenia and Russia in the build-up, said the timing could not be better. “Maybe Dana White [UFC President] will see something interesting,” he said with a smile. “Regardless of the result, this is the stage to show I’m ready.”
Lightweight contender Mezhlumyan echoed those sentiments, calling the Warriors platform “a high-level opportunity to prove why we are among the best in the world”.
A key attraction is the bout between champions “The Honey Badger” Chopurov and Pena, a contest that epitomises what UAE Warriors has become – a launchpad for talent with genuine UFC aspirations.
“We are proud that so many of our champions move on to global organisations,” Darwish said. “That is the ultimate validation of our matchmaking and fighter development.”
The promotion’s matchmaking process, he added, is designed to prioritise fairness, skill parity and safety.
“We don’t choose fighters – they choose us,” Darwish remarked. “We ensure even match-ups, so every win here means something real.”
With UFC 321 drawing the world’s attention to Abu Dhabi this weekend, UAE Warriors 64 is more than a curtain-raiser. It is the platform where the next wave of stars aims to earn their shot under the brightest lights.
Darwish confirmed the organisation’s next events are scheduled for 16 November and early 2026, including a long-awaited edition in Beirut – a sign that UAE Warriors’ reach, much like its fighters’ ambitions, continues to expand.
