Tarek Suleiman criticized the act of posting degrading social media content of athletes to damage the morale and reputation right before they are set to compete in a different promotion. A major promotion posted visuals of their former lightweight champion, Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady getting knocked out on social media the day before his promotional debut at Legacy Fighting Alliance. The act of downgrading the talent and efforts of an athlete at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized.
Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady was set to compete against Konnor Kuppe 7-4-0, 1 NC at LFA 89: Moore vs. Giannetti taking place at Sanford Pentagon at Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the USA on 28 August 2020. The fight was scheduled to be available at the UFC Fight Pass at 8 PM CT (USA).
The practice was questioned based on negative promotion against athletes including Mounir Lazzez on the day of his UFC debut. Suleiman is a BJJ black belt and the former UAE Warriors Light Heavyweight Champion. He holds a double degree in Agricultural Engineering and Business Management from the American University of Beirut. Many MMA fans took it to the internet to question the post that could affect the morale of the athletes.
Despite losses and questionable split-decision win, Luan Santiago was promoted heavily for a title push. Prior to facing Al-Selwady, Santiago lost the title fight against Lucas Martins. After his luck with Selwady, Santiago went forth to lose his very first title defense against Cleiton Silva. The promotion is trying hard to revive the career of Santiago as he was recently awarded a highly debated split-decision win against Gadzimusa Gaziev.
However, it took 4 wins and two canceled bouts for the Palestinian born Al-Selwady to finally get his title shot against the ex-UFC veteran – Lucas Martins. After a brutal first-round TKO finish, Al-Selwady was crowned as the Champion by Khabib Nurmagomedov to the cheers of Arab fans.
It’s very shameful seeing this is happening again but it had to be said… not pointing finger at anyone but whoever post that video or from which position the order came to post this video it’s shame and grow up… happened with my brother @mounirlazzez and now with my brother @selwadymma good luck brother smash tomorrow.
Tarek Suleiman
The social media post received a massive backlash from top fighters in the region. UFC Fighter and Fight of the Night Winner, Mounir Lazzez also criticized the act and integrity behind such a post which could damage the career, morale, and reputation of the 25-year-old fighter. Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady is yet to respond and has not explained his view regarding the incident.
The promotion involved claims to be the fastest-growing promotion in the world showcasing rising talent from the Arab world among global superstars. The organization had maintained necessary standards while giving numerous stars from the region a platform to showcase their talent. We at Arabs MMA hope that the promotion will take strict action against such practices which tarnish the reputation of athletes as well as continuing their global growth.
