Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi continues to cement its reputation as the undisputed international capital of mixed martial arts, with the city’s Space 42 Arena set to host another double-header instalment of UAE Warriors this weekend.
The promotion organisers Palm Sports announced UAE Warriors 70 and 71, scheduled for Friday and Saturday respectively, with a lineup of fighters a bit lighter than usual. Given the geopolitical situation, it still is a powerful testament to the emirate’s logistical prowess, and its unwavering commitment to provide a world-class platform for athletes.
On behalf of the organisers, Palm Sports’ Chief Executive Officer Fouad Darwish reflected on the promotion’s rapid evolution while conceding that 10 bouts on Friday and 11 on Saturday were less than the usual 13 or 14 on any fight card organised in the past, which recently got separate allocations for an Arab-Africa card as well.
Darwish denied there were any problems about the organisation’s growth trajectory while stressing that holding the event was a signature move that only underlined Abu Dhabi’s position as a hosting venue in the world of mixed martial arts.
“We learn in our endeavour of, or in our pursuit of excellence,” Darwish told reporters. “If we had an issue, you would not be sitting here. If we had an issue, I wouldn’t have a back-to-back fight on Friday or Saturday.”
The event highlights the emirate’s ability to draw elite talent from across the globe, including fighters from Ukraine, Albania, Brazil, and Africa, many of whom praised the safety and stability provided by the UAE.
Brazil’s Bruno Machado gave the most fitting testimonial. A beloved veteran of the promotion, Machado is coming out of retirement to fight Bakhtiyar Orazgeldyev, who was yet to fly into the country.
“First of all, we want to thank our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for everything he’s doing to protect all of us who are living here in UAE,” Machado said.
He further emphasised the unique atmosphere of the capital, noting: “The world in Abu Dhabi is real. You feel it. You feel the safety. UAE Warriors is the best event in the Middle East. Everyone around the world wants to be fighting in UAE Warriors.”
Friday’s UAE Warriors 70 will be headlined by a massive heavyweight clash between Morocco’s Badr “Dastan” Medkouri and Brazil’s Eduardo Neves. The former, standing at an imposing 6’4”, expressed total confidence in his versatility ahead of his first main event appearance.
“I’m prepared for all types,” Medkouri asserted. “See if he [Neves] likes standing, so we can fight standing, like striking. If you want to go to wrestling, I can wrestle. If you want to go to the ground, I can go to the ground. After one hit on the head, you lose your grade.” Neves refused to take the bait in trash talking.
Saturday’s card features a mouth-watering lightweight championship bout between the undefeated Ukrainian sambo specialist Vladislav ‘Honey’ Rudnev and the formidable Martun Mezhlumyan.
Rudnev, who boasts a perfect 12-0 record, dismissed any concerns regarding travel or regional difficulties, stating simply: “This state, in the UAE, it’s normal for me.”
His opponent, Mezhlumyan (15-3), arrives on the back of a ferocious finishing streak.
The international appeal of the Abu Dhabi stage is boosted by fighters from United States such as featherweight contender Vilson Ndregjoni.
“I’m honoured to be in that main event. To be honest, I didn’t expect it,” Ndregjoni said.
His opponent, Sylvester Chipfumbu, shared the sentiment, noting the efficiency of the promotion: “It’s my third fight in eight months. As a champion, I feel like they call me, they say they have a fight. I just come and fight. It’s a pleasure to come from USA and to fight here in Abu Dhabi.”
Darwish acknowledged one challenge remains – the need to have a fixed venue of their own.
“We have to rent space every time, that is a challenge. We’re waiting for the right stage to have our family come and fight,” he said.
Meanwhile, the show goes on as usual in Abu Dhabi.
