Jordanian and international fighters joined government and tourism officials in Amman on Tuesday to launch the week’s programme, which ends with fight night at the Roman Amphitheatre on Friday.

Jordan MMA Week 2026 officially got underway on Tuesday, 27 October, with a DF UNCAGED press conference in Amman. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Imad Hijazin attended, along with the organisers, fighters, guests and members of the media. The week runs until 31 October under the theme “Back to the Cage.” It ends on Friday night with DF UNCAGED in the 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre in Downtown Amman.

Dr. Hijazin said the ministry is working to diversify Jordan’s tourism markets and products, and that sports tourism, including mixed martial arts, is one of the new offerings it is developing with the organisers. He said fighters, public figures and media arriving from Latin America, Central Asia, the United States and beyond help promote Jordan in global markets. He also said a 2027 calendar of sporting events is being prepared with the Jordan Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and the national sports federations.

Zaid Mirza, the founder of Desert Force, welcomed the fighters and guests to Jordan and said he expects a week full of action inside the cage and out. He confirmed that the week ends with DF UNCAGED on Friday at the Roman Amphitheatre, featuring Jordanian and international fighters, former champions, and sports and media personalities from around the world.

Abdulrahman Al-Husami, CEO of Makana 360, said holding major sporting events at historic sites turns them into a new kind of tourism product. He described MMA as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world by viewership. He added that staging the event at the Roman Amphitheatre links history with modern sport and shows that Jordan can host world-class international events.

Mohammad Mirza, general manager of Desert Force, stated that public interest in the event has far exceeded early expectations. He said the organisation draws on experience from more than 50 international events. He noted that MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are growing rapidly in Jordan, which has become a regional destination for training. He said a possible new event in January will be discussed at the organisation’s annual meeting.

Andrew Sanchez, “The Ultimate Fighter 23” winner and co-main event fighter, spoke highly of his first visit to the Middle East. He praised the safety and warm hospitality he has found in Jordan, and said the trip has given him a window into the Kingdom’s history and culture.

Jordanian fighters Yazan Balaawi and Abdullah Jaweesh described representing their country as a national responsibility and a chance to show what Jordanian fighters can do in front of an international audience. Balaawi called it an honour and said the crowd and media attention only add to his motivation. Off the mats, he works as a German-speaking tour guide, so he has promoted Jordan to visitors for years. Jaweesh said competing at an international event gives Jordanian fighters a stage to prove their level and present Jordan to fans from around the world.

Javier Mendez, the renowned coach and founder of American Kickboxing Academy, praised the organisation and the treatment of fighters and guests. He said Jordan has delivered a standout experience that reflects its ability to host major international sporting events.

Fight week continues with open workouts and the weigh-ins, ahead of DF UNCAGED on Friday, 30 October, at the Roman Amphitheatre. Fight night airs live and free-to-air on MBC Action.