The conclusion of the UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Dubai, with the participation of 300 players

DUBAI, 12 JULY / WAM / The competitions of the ninth edition of the UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship, organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, concluded today at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, over two days, with the participation of more than 300 male and female players from various clubs and academies in the country.

The tournament came to embody the continuous development witnessed by the sport of mixed martial arts in the country, through the high levels of players, the widening of the participation base, and the multiplicity of technical preparation programs, which enhances the sustainability of the game’s process and consolidates the position of national championships as one of the most important platforms for preparing talent and supplying national teams with promising elements.

The final day witnessed competitions for the youth categories (A) from 16 to 17 years, and adults from 18 years and above, amid matches characterized by equality, equality, and a high technical level, during which the players demonstrated a remarkable ability to manage the course of the match, deal with tactical variables, and implement technical plans efficiently, which reflects the extent of the development witnessed by the preparation system in clubs and academies.

The Youth Category (A) competitions have gained great importance, as they represent a major stage in the national team’s preparation program to participate in the World Youth Mixed Martial Arts Championship, which is being hosted by Abu Dhabi during the period from 17 to 23 August, as the tournament provided the technical staff with an ideal opportunity to follow the players, evaluate their levels, and determine the extent of their readiness before the global competition.

Mohammed Jassim Al Hosani, a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said that the tournament confirmed the continued growth of the game’s base in the country, noting that the breadth of participation and the high technical level embody the fruit of continuous work and close coordination between the federation, clubs and academies.

He added that the national championships are one of the basic pillars in preparing players, because they provide regular contact and competitive experiences that contribute to developing their levels, stressing that the youth category (A) competitions provided the technical staff with important indicators before the World Youth Mixed Martial Arts Championship, which Abu Dhabi will host next month.

The remarkable public and family attendance during the tournament embodied the growing interest in the sport of mixed martial arts, as families were keen to support their children throughout the competitions, in a scene that was consistent with the goals of the “Year of the Family,” and highlighted the pivotal role of the family in supporting children and motivating them to practice sports, which contributes to building sporting generations capable of achieving achievements.

Thani Majid bin Sulaiman, Director of Martial Games at Shabab Al-Ahly Club, said: We are proud to host the tournament in cooperation with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, and we are keen to provide all the elements that guarantee the success of the national tournaments, and give the players a competitive environment that keeps pace with the federation’s aspirations towards developing the game.

On the technical level, the great convergence between the levels of the players imposed a rapid pace on most of the matches, as a number of them were decided with limited differences after confrontations characterized by parity and the exchange of advantages, while the players demonstrated tactical discipline and a high ability to adapt to the various events of the match, which provided the coaches with a practical opportunity to evaluate performance and monitor the aspects that need further development in preparation for the upcoming matches.

Mohamed Islam, Shabab Al-Ahly coach, said that the tournament showed a clear development in the technical maturity of the players, especially in managing time and distance, and choosing appropriate solutions during the course of the fight.

He added: Such tournaments give coaches an opportunity to evaluate players in real competitive conditions, and find out the details of performance that are difficult to measure in training, which contributes to raising the players’ readiness for future competitions.

Hamad Suhail, a player at the Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, who won the silver medal in the Youth (A) 52 kg category, said: The tournament was an important opportunity to test my level against competitors with high levels, and I benefited greatly from the technical notes that I will work on during the coming period in preparation for the World Championship. The presence of my family in the stands also gave me great motivation to do my best and achieve this achievement.

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