UAE National MMA Championship Launches With Youth Competitions In Abu Dhabi
The UAE National MMA Championship began at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. This event gathers promising talents from top clubs and academies across the nation. The first day featured intense contests in Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), and Youth B (14–15 years) categories, with young athletes displaying remarkable skills.
Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the Federation, stated, "The UAE National MMA Championship marks the season's first MMA event, showcasing the Federation's dedication to promoting the growth and development of mixed martial arts. The introduction of the Youth D category for the first time underscores the Federation's commitment to identifying and nurturing talent early in their careers, equipping them to represent the UAE in international competitions."
He also noted strong participation from club athletes and enthusiastic fan support. Such involvement boosts the sport’s profile and motivates athletes to strive for excellence.
Hasnaa Jaber, a trainer at Adma Academy, commented on their preparation: "We have a large group of male and female athletes competing in different categories. This championship offers a great opportunity for them to test their skills, compete, and get used to the atmosphere of professional events. The organisation has been excellent. We made sure that the athletes were well-prepared, attending three training sessions per week before the competition."
The audience was fully engaged throughout the day, cheering for thrilling matches and closely contested performances. This created an atmosphere filled with anticipation.
Athlete Success Stories
Marwa Abdel Moneim shared her pride in her son Abdul Hamid Daghino’s achievement. He won gold in the Youth D category representing Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club. She said, "Abdul Hamid is passionate about sports, and his journey with jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts started three years ago. He trains with dedication and always aims for top positions. Our family fully supports and encourages him because we recognise the value of sports and their benefits. Beyond health and fitness, they help build personal strength and self-confidence in athletes."
The championship will wrap up tomorrow with competitions for Adults (18 years+) and Youth A (16–17 years) categories.
With inputs from WAM

