French-Algerian mixed martial artist, Tahar Hadbi is set to headline the biggest rivalry in Middle Easter in a rematch with Lebanese MMA superstar Mohammed Fakhreddine at Brave 10: The Kingdom Rises set to take place in Amman, Jordan. The rematch decision came after controversial no-contest stoppage at Brave 9: The Kingdom of Champions which was held in Bahrain. The bout was declared no-contest after a accidently groin-shot that rendered Fakhreddine unable to continue. This resulted in strong online reactions from both fighters supported by their fan bases.
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Not we are 1 month away from ending the “Who Was Winning This Fight” question, and Hadbi is certain he will put an end to this.
” I have my team mates from Obyfight and Mahmoudi Gym helping me prepare. This time we started early. We believe Fakhreddine is not on my level. I will show the world how I am better than him and will make Lebanon weep.”
What started out as just another great match-up for the fans, has turned into a real personal affair between both fighters. The trash talk and drama surrounding the rematch was smoother than the first encounter, but that’s because there’s a lot at stake and they are busy training!
“It is for the first time in my career that I am fighting against someone I genuinely dislike. The stakes are high that it pushes me to train even more. I will not leave him any chance. The emotion boosts my performance and lets me fight smart. The challenge and the hype around the fight do not distract me, I will complete the job.”
Just when you think, no grounds can united these two, think again. Both Fakhreddine and Hadbi have fought and won in Jordan earlier in their careers. That’s not all, despite their significant professional MMA level, Tahar lives in France where mixed martial arts has yet to achieve legal status. Similarly in Lebanon, decree from the Lebanese Sports Ministry outlawed both the octagon cage used in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the practice of this sport and its techniques.
“I love Jordan, the country is beautiful and people are friendly. The arena it will be returning is legendary and have fought there before for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship. This is the same arena where even Conor McGregor have fought a couple of years ago. When I fought there the crowd went wild and was screaming my name, it was unbelievable. I hope it will be the same again. It will be the continuity of the first fight against Fakhreddine. I feel more powerful and stronger than never before.”
