In a main event that left much to be desired, Kevin Oumar emerged victorious over Mohamed Juma at UAE Warriors 52. The bout, marked by its lackluster pace and underwhelming performances, saw Oumar improve his record to 10-4, though the win did little to elevate his standing in the sport.
The fight started with Oumar taking immediate control, securing a takedown and unleashing ground-and-pound on Juma. Juma, who missed weight leading up to the fight, struggled defensively, resorting to grabbing the fence multiple times in an attempt to escape, which ultimately resulted in a one-point deduction. His inability to defend effectively in grappling exchanges highlighted a significant disparity in skill between the two fighters.
Oumar’s dominance in the first round was clear, earning him a 10-8 score. However, both fighters noticeably slowed down in the second round. Despite having a clear advantage in grappling, Oumar opted to keep the fight standing, a decision that puzzled many observers given his initial success on the ground.
As the fight progressed, Oumar seemed content to stay on the outside, occasionally blitzing in with a one-two combination. The lack of sustained aggression and engagement from both fighters made for a particularly uneventful bout. The commentators’ remark, “well, thankfully that’s over,” aptly summed up the sentiment surrounding the fight.
Oumar’s performance in the first two minutes showed promise, but the remainder of the bout lacked the intensity and drive expected in a main event. While Oumar walked away with the win, his performance did little to bolster his potential prospects. Comparisons to the infamous Francis Ngannou vs. Derrick Lewis fight underscore the disappointment felt by fans and commentators alike.
Both Oumar and Juma entered the fight coming off losses, and the match did little to suggest a resurgence for either fighter. Despite Oumar’s victory, the overall lack of action and competitiveness left many questioning the fairness of either fighter emerging as the definitive winner.
As Oumar looks to move forward in his career, this victory serves as a reminder of the need for consistent effort and improvement. For Juma, the fight highlighted areas for significant development, particularly in grappling and weight management. Moving forward, both fighters will need to address these issues if they hope to make a meaningful impact in the sport.
