The competition, featuring participants aged 12 to 17, witnessed exhilarating clashes across 33 different age and weight categories.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

The Youth MMA Championship, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, witnessed a thrilling display of talent at the UAE University in Al Ain on Saturday, with promising Emirati athletes delivering outstanding performances.

The competition, featuring participants aged 12 to 17, witnessed exhilarating clashes across 33 different age and weight categories. Emiratis, affiliated with various academies across the country, amassed 18 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals.

Saturday’s competitions were attended by dignitaries, including Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Mohammed bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the Federation, Fahad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General for the Federation, Mubarak Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department, and Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the mixed martial arts committee of the Federation. Officials and representatives from the participating clubs and academies were also in attendance.

The event, marking the first MMA competition of the Federation’s action-packed new season calendar, showcased over a hundred athletes from 18 countries and 10 academies who stepped into the octagon for thrilling displays of MMA prowess. The competitions were open to UAE nationals and individuals born in the country.

Mohammed Bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the Federation, praised the organising team of the event for its success and appreciated UAE University for remarkably hosting the championship.

“By organising tournaments like Youth MMA Championship, the Federation aims to enhance the potential and capabilities of local talents and shape a new generation of athletes seeking to pursue a professional career in the sport. The unlimited support of the wise leadership is the cornerstone of the success of the events.”

“These tournaments contribute to developing MMA in the UAE and beyond, refining talent, and preparing them optimally to represent the nation in the IMMAF Youth World Championships, which Abu Dhabi will host for the third year in a row next August,” added Dhaheri.

Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the mixed martial arts committee of the Federation, added: “Youth MMA Championship is one of the many tournaments we have planned for the season. Through these, the Federation aims to nurture the next generation of champions as well as enhance the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading promoter of combat sports.”

Hosani pointed out the technical levels and strength of participants at the beginning of the season, and heaped praise on clubs and academies who work hand in hand with the Federation to ensure the success of events organised in the UAE.

Elsewhere, Franco Sierra, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu Coach at Team Nogueira Dubai said: “Our team has performed exceptionally well; we have some strong competitors here. Having coached here since 2014, I’ve observed the rapid evolution of these sports in the UAE and the wider region, and it’s incredible. With a new season underway and several exciting events on the horizon, I can’t wait to see my team and athletes from other teams excel.”

Yassin Aboubakr of Team Nogueira Dubai, who won silver in the Youth A/-61.2kg, said: “I am glad I could be part of this championship. It’s an ideal platform to prepare for the upcoming events, especially the IMMAF Youth World Championships next August in Abu Dhabi. Even though I couldn’t win, there’s no doubt that it’s an inspiring experience.”

Ghala Al Hammadi of ADMA, who scooped gold in the Youth B/48 kg division, added: “I am very happy with my performance today. My jiu-jitsu skills gave me an edge, and I could kickstart the new season on a very promising note. I feel motivated, and I am committed to keep on improving myself, acquiring new techniques.”