UAE add three more medals on Day 2 of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi

The UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team added three more medals, including two silver and one bronze, on the second day of the IMMAF Youth World Championships at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, taking its overall medal tally to 15.

The day featured Youth C competition for athletes aged 12–13, with 12 UAE athletes in action. More than 1,100 athletes from 55 countries are competing in the championship, which runs until August 23.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The World Championships give us a good opportunity to see how our athletes perform against different opponents and fighting styles. At Youth C level, athletes are not only learning techniques, but also learning when to use them and how to make the right decisions under pressure. These are things you can only really test in competition.

“Our approach is to identify talent early and then support athletes through training, competition and regular assessment. We want UAE athletes to move into the older age groups with years of international experience and a good understanding of what it takes to compete at this level.”

Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “There is a big difference between learning a technique and knowing when to use it. At this age, athletes start to read their opponents, combine different skills and make quick decisions. This is an important part of their development.

“IMMAF introduces rules and requirements gradually according to the age and experience of the athletes, with their safety always the priority. The World Championships also give them the chance to face opponents with different styles, which helps them learn how to adapt and make the right decisions during a bout.”

Katrina Fisher, coach of the England National Team, said: “At this age, our focus is not only on winning the next bout. We are also thinking about how these athletes will develop over the next four or five years. We need to find the right balance between competition and development and give them the chance to try things and learn from their mistakes.

“The World Championships are also valuable for coaches. We can see how other teams prepare their athletes and learn from different approaches and styles, so the experience benefits both athletes and coaches.”

Afra Al Hai, mother of UAE athletes Rakan and Khalifa Hamad Al Yamahi, said: “As our children start competing, we also learn how to support them without putting too much pressure on them. As parents, our role is to give them confidence and support, while leaving the technical side to their coaches.

“Representing the UAE at a World Championship gives them a greater sense of responsibility. We can see how the experience is helping them become more independent, confident and responsible in their everyday lives.”

UAE athlete Hessa Almutwa, who won silver, said: “I tried to stay calm and follow my coach’s instructions, especially in the difficult bouts. I learned today that staying focused and making the right decision at the right time can make a big difference.”

Her teammate Mahra Al Azizi, who won bronze, said: “Competing here in Abu Dhabi in front of my family and teammates gave me extra motivation. I’m happy with the medal, but what matters most to me is to keep training, improve and perform even better in the next championships.”