UAE National MMA Championship 3 Concludes with Strong Participation and Rising Talent

The third edition of the UAE National MMA Championship wrapped up on Sunday after two action-packed days at the Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai, drawing over 300 male and female athletes from across the country and further solidifying the sport’s rising popularity in the UAE.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event featured intense bouts across various age categories, with Sunday’s competitions focusing on the Youth A (16-17 years) and Adult (18+ years) divisions.

The championship saw a diverse turnout, with clubs and academies nationwide fielding strong contingents. Spectator interest was also high, reflecting the growing appeal of mixed martial arts among the UAE’s sporting community.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, a board member of the organising federation, hailed the success of the championship. “The UAE National MMA Championship supports our vision of expanding the practitioner base, scouting new talent, and preparing future champions,” he said. “It also underscores our commitment to establishing a strong MMA presence within the UAE’s sporting landscape.”

Al-Batran noted that the wide participation across age groups plays a vital role in the long-term development of MMA in the country. “This third edition serves as an important step in our athletes’ preparations for upcoming competitions, especially the IMMAF Youth World Championship, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in July 2025.”

Coaches and athletes alike expressed their appreciation for the platform the championship provides. Ekonian Andenet, a coach at ADMA Academy, highlighted the tournament’s value in athlete development. “We brought over 40 athletes to compete. It’s a critical opportunity for them to test their abilities, apply training techniques in real scenarios, and measure their progress against top talent from other clubs.”

Among the standout performers was Saif Al Jneibi from ADMA Academy, who clinched gold in the Youth Boys welterweight (under-77.1kg) division. Sharing his journey, Al Jneibi said, “This is my second time competing in the championship. I lost in the previous edition, but I stayed focused, trained hard, and had amazing support from my family, coach, and teammates. Today, I achieved first place despite tough matches.”

He also praised the federation for continuously providing high-quality competitive platforms. “Events like this motivate us to keep improving and aim for international success,” he added.

With its successful conclusion, the UAE National MMA Championship 3 not only spotlighted local talent but also reinforced the federation’s efforts to position the UAE as a regional hub for mixed martial arts, fostering a new generation of athletes poised to shine on the global stage.