Three Emirati Jiu-Jitsu Champions Set To Compete At The 8th Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship In Al Ain

Three Emirati jiu-jitsu champions are gearing up for the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain on December 6. Khaled Al Shehhi, Shamma Al Kalbani, and Omar Al Fadhli will compete against top names in combat sports.

Emirati jiu-jitsu athletes have been excelling globally, achieving gold medals and high rankings. Their performances on both local and international stages highlight their skill and dedication to the sport.

The ADXC is organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Known for its innovative format, it offers elite-level competition and a lively atmosphere for fans. Past events have featured notable Emirati athletes like Shamma Al Kalbani, Balqees Al Hashemi, Zayed Al Katheeri, and the Al Suwaidi brothers.

Shamma Al Kalbani is set to face China's Peiqin Ge in a bantamweight jiu-jitsu match. Reflecting on her experience, she said, "Competing in the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship has been one of the highlights of my jiu-jitsu journey."

Al Kalbani previously competed in ADXC 4 in Paris against Lina Grosset, securing a decision win. She remarked on raising the UAE flag there as unforgettable. This experience motivated her to refine skills like control and submissions while highlighting UAE's support for women in sports.

Omar Al Fadhli will challenge Chilean Nicolás Ponce in a lightweight bout. He expressed excitement about his first ADXC appearance: "I’m really excited to compete in Abu Dhabi Extreme for the first time."

Facing New Challenges

Al Fadhli has been training intensively to adapt to the unique rules of this competition. He aims not only for victory but also to showcase his abilities on an international platform.

Khaled Al Shehhi will battle Brazil’s Thalison Soares in a bantamweight match. Reflecting on his past success at ADXC 4 in Paris, he shared his eagerness to perform well at home: "In Paris, I fought Leonardo Mario from Brazil and came out on top after five tough rounds."

Aiming for Memorable Performances

Al Shehhi values competing in Al Ain due to its strong sports culture. He aims to deliver a memorable performance that resonates with local fans.

The ADXC provides these athletes with opportunities to grow as fighters while mastering cage control techniques. They are ready to represent their country proudly and deliver thrilling performances for their supporters.

With inputs from WAM