It was recently revealed on ArabsMMA.com that December 8 will witness Desert Force MMA Championship’s first event in Saudi Arabia for Al Academiya 2 Finale. The main event will witness a title defence pitting Saudi’s own Aziz Julaidan against title holder Abdulkareem al Selwady. ArabsMMA had the chance to sit and talk to the young talented Saudi who had surprised everyone in his Desert Force performances.
“When the crowds come and watch the event, when they experience the full throttle adrenaline, when they smell the sweat, they’re going to love it! They’ll definitely want to try it !”
1. You’ve heard about the news on ArabsMMA for sure. Are you excited that Desert Force will be in Saudi Arabia for the first time ?
I am very excited that Desert Force will take place in Saudi Arabia! In fact, one of my coaches, Ahmed Makki who currently trains at Black house MMA could possibly take part in this event. It’s not official yet but I know Desert Force will not miss this chance and he will surely take it.
2. Who have you been training with lately? Any sponsors or support for fighters/MMA in Saudi Arabia? Does this sport get support from the Royal Families in Saudi?
I have been mostly training with coach Mohammad Najjar along with the help of teammates and Coach Rami. I also train BJJ with coach Majid and Mohammad Dabbas, we are getting support from everyone we know in Jeddah. As for sponsors, I don’t have sponsors or support from the royal family neither from the government. I sometimes get some moral support from Prince Mohammad bin Turki.
“…we are all Arabs and brothers…”
3. Al Academiya main event will feature Saudi fighter Aziz Julaidan versus Abdelkareem Selwady. Putting emotions aside given that you are good friends with Abdul Kareem, who do you think has more chance of winning this fight and why?
I think they are both good fighters. They are both taking their training seriously and doing their best. We are all arabs and brothers, It does not matter if Abdelkareem is my friend or not, I personally know many of Julaidan’s family members and they are both nice guys. I want them to put on a good show, regardless of the result, I will congratulate the winner and appreciate the work of the other. Each of them is welcome to come and train for the fight at our gym.
“I hope to get a fight on this card, nothing is confirmed yet but I will surely be looking forward for my third win under the desert force banner. I discussed this with my coaches, and we decided that I will drop to 70Kg. And no, I don’t have sponsors or support from neither the royal family nor the government. My motivation will be the cheering from my friends, family, and fans.”
