If you haven’t heard already, UFC veteran, Mounir Lazzez is launching the inaugural show of his brand new promotion 971 FC on May 4th. The global fan base will be treated to a 14-fight card with compelling matchups, topped by a must-see main event between regional super start Mohammed Fakhreddine taking on Gianni Melillo. The event featuring a number of Middle East’s most talented martial artists takes place on May 4 at The Agenda, Dubai.
Before the action gets underway, here are the five reasons to watch 971 FC live.
#1 Having an exciting finisher in Mohammed Fakhreddine as the headliner.
Fakhreddiene is the first-ever Arab double champion and an exciting veteran of the sport. He has fought in Brave FC and the PFL and 80% of his wins all come by way of TKO/KO. He goes for the finish at all times, meaning that it is virtually impossible for the main event to be boring. The 39 year old Lebanese veteran always brings the action, and he plans on doing the same this time, no doubt.
#2 The Drama of it all.
Fakhreddine has vengeance on his mind going into this one. To give context, his upcoming opponent in the main event; Gianni Mellio fought his close friend and teammate Mohammad Karaki, 2 years ago at UAE Warriors 20.
Gianni would knock Karaki out cold; seemingly after the Lebanese fighter got an eye poke from the (then) 37 year old Italian. Most people argue it was a sucker punch, albeit technically being a legal win for Gianni.
With avengement and reputation on the line for Fakhreddine and his teammate; Karaki, the drama that is embroiled around the main event adds to the overall excitement of this already action-packed card.
“Melillo took the fight and I was happy he accepted because of the history between him and [Mohammad] Karaki. How that fight played out and what happened in that fight. I was happy that he took the fight so I could take revenge.” – Mohammed Fakhreddine
#3 Potential fireworks brewing between Eslam Syaha and Fakhreddine.
Fakhreddine has openly called out Eslam Syaha (who fights in the main event) for refusing to fight him. If both win on May 4th, this could set up a blockbuster showdown.
Syaha boasts a very impressive 15-2 record, with 66% of his wins coming by way of finish. (7 TKO’S/KO’s and 3 Submissions).
Syaha clearly goes for the finish as does Fakhreddine. If both men were to face off in a future bout, a lot of people are assuming it could be a , “Fight of the year” candidate. Fingers crossed, this fight becomes a reality at some point!
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#4 The two co-main events could headline the card!
The two co-main events alone could arguably headline the card. Eslam Syaha vs Britain’s Dan Vinni is one of the co-headliners. Eslam is a pioneer in his own right; being the first UAE Warriors Arabia Welterweight champion and Vinni is a veteran of the sport too, boasting 23 finishes that he has achieved in 44 fights. The bout between two men would be a classic trope in MMA, “The young hungry lion versus the experienced veteran”. This will be a great bout to witness.
The other co- main event is between John Mitchell of Ireland and Adham Mohammed of Egypt. Fans of PFL would be familiar with John as the man who was a tournament finalist. This will be very tough fight for Adham Mohammed, but with a win, this will elevate his profile greatly.
#5 This being a truly international event.
This card is truly international, with a lot of regional talent, Asians and Europeans present.We have fighters making their way from Finland, Holland, New Zealand and America to name a few of the other countries competing outside of the MENA Region. Think of this as a worldwide event hosted in Dubai!
MAIN EVENT
**Mouhamed Fakhreddine (LEBANON) vs Gianni Melillo (ITALY) 84kg
CO MAIN EVENT
**John Mitchell (IRELAND) vs Adham Mohamed (EGYPT)
2ND CO MAIN EVENT
**Eslam Abdul Baset (EGYPT) vs Dan Vinni 86kg (UK)
MAIN CARD
**Ahmed Faress (EGYPT) vs Jerry Kvarnstrom (FINDLAND)
**Omar hussein (PALESTINE) vs Seth Rosario (USA) 77kg
**Rafael Uchegebu (UK) vs Mahmoud Mando (EGYPT)
**Arthur Jacob (UK) vs Tycho Brake (NETHERLAND) 77kg
PRELIMINARY CARD
**Max Flynn (USA) vs Benedict Venus (PHILIPPINE) – 70kg
**Anthony K-9 Zeidan (LEBANON) vs Tabaranza (PHILIPPINE) 77kg
**Elie Mansour (LEBANON) vs Mohammed Amine Moufrij (MOROCCO)70kg
**Abderahman Dridi (TUNISIA) Vs Ibrahim Amin 84kg (EGYPT)
**Cagdas Atmacs (GERMANY) Vs Christian Burke (PHILIPPINE) 84kg
**Juma Albdoor 57kg (UAE) Vs Janedie Bernardo (PHILIPPINE)
**John Oldenqvist (SWEDEN) Vs Bruno Nunes (BRAZIL) 70kg
Stay tuned on ArabsMMA.com for the latest updates and event coverage.
