DUBAI, UAE – 15 MAY 2025 – 971 Fighting Championship is going all in for its June 14 return to Dubai. With four newly announced bouts — including two featuring undefeated prospects — the 14-fight lineup at Coca-Cola Arena is now one of the most stacked cards the Middle East has seen this year.
The latest additions add serious heat:
Yakub Sulimanov vs. Namo Fazil
Chechnya’s Yakub Sulimanov, training alongside UFC’s Khamzat Chimaev, brings relentless pressure, sharp striking, and an undefeated record into the cage. He’s a rising star looking to break out on the international stage.
But he faces Namo “Saif” Fazil, the pride of Kurdistan, a knockout artist with a fearless style and his own attractive record. Fazil thrives in the chaos and won’t back down when the lights are brightest. High stakes, heavy hands — only one stays reigns victorious.
Wisem Hammami vs. Arthur Jacob
Wisem “Pantera” Hammami, the Tunisian-Italian standout based in Dubai, carries the hopes of a region into battle. Known for his elite striking and composure, Hammami is a former regional champion looking to re-position himself as a star of Arab MMA.
Standing in his way is Poland’s Arthur Jacob, a gritty brawler with a no-quit attitude. After a solid debut at 971FC 1, Jacob is hunting for momentum and ready to silence the crowd with a statement win.
This one’s about more than records — it’s about proving who belongs in the spotlight.
Mirafzal Akhtamov vs. Adrian Sanchez
Uzbekistan’s Mirafzal Akhtamov (9-0-1) has a clear mission, to extend his unbeaten streak and solidify his reputation as one of the region’s top lightweight prospects. Known for his surgical striking and poise under pressure, Akhtamov is a fan favorite with a style built for highlight reels.
Standing across from him is South Africa’s Adrian “Rayo” Sanchez (7-5), a wild-card finisher with a gritty, all-action style drawn from K-1, Muay Thai, and BJJ. He may not be undefeated, but Sanchez is never out of a fight — and he’s coming to disrupt.
Junior Karanta vs. Oli Thompson
Sweden’s Junior Karanta brings size, speed, and knockout power into his 971FC debut. At 6’6”, 113kg, and built like a tank, Karanta is part of a new generation of European heavyweights making serious noise.
But he’s up against a legend: Oli “Big Shot” Thompson, a former Britain’s Strongest Man and global MMA veteran with nearly 40 pro fights. At 45, Thompson is battle-tested and still dangerous — a true strategist with heavyweight power.
It’s the old guard vs. the new wave— and in this division, one clean shot can end it all.
Updated Fight Card – 971 Fighting Championship (subject to change):
- Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alisher Gabdullin
- Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. Pupanga Tresor
- Kane Mousah vs. Amaury Junior
- James Gallagher vs. Fabricio Soares
- Yakub Sulimanov vs. Namo Fazil
- Wisem Hammami vs. Arthur Jacob
- Mirafzal Akhtamov vs. Adrian Sanchez
- Junior Karanta vs. Oli Thompson
971 Fighting Championship continues to set a new standard for combat sports across the Middle East — combining elite production with real, authentic storytelling inside and outside the cage.
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