Abu Dhabi hosted the 2nd MMA Youth Championship this weekend. The event featured 19 fights across various age groups and was held under UAE MMA Federation supervision. Many MMA and combat sports stars were in attendance to witness the competition.
High officials attended the 2nd MMA Youth Championship
The significance of the event was so big, that even H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attended it. Deputy National Security Adviser, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office visited the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Khaled met with the young athletes and praised the courage, discipline, and respect that they displayed during the competition. He also acknowledged the effort and work put in by both UAE Jiu – Jitsu and UAE MMA Federation to raise the sports’ profile and develop new talent.
The 2nd MMA Youth Championship follows the premiere edition that took place in September. Its’ aim is to provide young MMA talent with an opportunity to reach the next level of competition. The second championship event featured 19 fights for both male and female athletes from across the UAE.
MMA stars in attendance
The event took place prior to the annual Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which will be headlined by a stacked UFC 280 fight card. So it comes as no surprise that the event was attended by some UFC fighters, alongside UAE Warriors athletes. Individuals such as Sean O’Malley, Beneil Dariush, UAE Warriors champion Al Qaisi, Terek Suleiman, Mounir Lazzez, and Bruno Machado amongst many others. WBA Light-Heavy champion Dmitry Bivol also was present. He will defend his title against Gilberto Martinez on November 5 at Eithad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Both Mounir Lazzez and Bruno were kind enough to share their thoughts on the event with us:
