As we countdown to Phoenix Fighting Championship’s fourth fight night, we look at some of the greats of the sport who will shape up the Phoenix 4 fight card. On December 22, Mohammad “O Lutador” Karaki will return to action at Phoenix Dubai, with an opponent yet to be announced.
Having been out for almost 2 years, Mohammad Karaki has had a lot of success in his mixed martial arts career so far. Making his debut in 2012 as a late replacement at Desert Force 6, Karaki grabbed his first victory via TKO after a back and forth fight versus Ammar Majed.
Karaki’s warrior spirit carried him to his next fight at Desert Force 7, where he went on to win via first round submission over Abdelali Aityachou, immediately qualifying him to a title shot for the first Desert Force light heavyweight title against Syrian opponent Feras Saada. Karaki and Saada met at Desert Force 8 where Karaki made quick work of Saada, scoring a TKO in the first round to become the Desert Force first light heavyweight champion.
Due to a year lay-off resulting from a lack of action at the Desert Force light heavyweight division, Karaki decided to vacate his title and compete in the Desert Force middleweight division. He came back at Desert Force 13, submitting the Syrian Nouredin El Zarr in the first round. After being so successful, Karaki took part of the Desert Force Al Academia Season 3 reality TV show, where has had to face rival team coach and Egyptian beast Ibrahim El Sawi for the middleweight title.
This was surely Karaki’s largest challenge back then as El Sawi has always been a force not to be reckoned with. In Desert Force 19, Karaki was able to grind a unanimous decision victory over the always intimidating former champion, Ibrahim El Sawi. Karaki’s last fight came in Desert Force 25 against Isey Francis from Switzerland, also finishing via first round submission.
So, to highlight, Karaki has pretty much made short work of almost everyone in his path so far.
In a career that has been filled with back and forth fights as well as exciting finishes, Karaki has been a champion who is entertaining to watch. His fights have always been highly anticipated by his fans who have missed him for the last two years. Rumor has it that his next opponent in Phoenix Fighting Championship will be against a former Desert Force champion, although it has not yet been confirmed whether he will be competing as a middleweight or a light-heavyweight.
Phoenix 4 is set to hit the United Arab Emirates on the 22nd of December with what could be the most exciting card to date. Stay tuned to find out who Karaki’s next opponent will be.
