The UAE National MMA Championship 3 wrapped up on Sunday at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai after two action-packed days of fierce competition. Over 300 male and female athletes from various age groups showcased their skills, drawing large crowds and highlighting the sport’s rising popularity in the country.

The final day saw thrilling bouts in both the Youth A (16-17 years) and Adult (18+) categories. The youth athletes impressed with their technical prowess, while the adult divisions delivered intense and competitive matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, commended the success of this year’s event, noting the impressive turnout and widespread participation from clubs and academies nationwide.

“This championship supports our mission to grow the number of practitioners, discover new talent, and prepare future champions. The participation of various age groups reflects our dedication to developing athletes who can compete at the highest levels locally, regionally, and internationally,” said Al Batran.

He also highlighted the significance of the event as part of the Federation’s preparations for the upcoming sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championship, set to take place in Abu Dhabi in July 2025.

Ekonian Andenet, a coach at ADMA Academy, explained how the event offered invaluable experience for athletes, noting that over 40 competitors from his academy participated. “This tournament is crucial for our athletes, giving them the opportunity to test their skills against the best in the country and prepare for international competitions,” he said.

Saif Al Jneibi, a standout from ADMA, won gold in the Youth Boys / Male / Youth A / Welterweight (-77.1kg) division. Reflecting on his victory, he said, “This is my second time competing here. I lost in the last edition, but I didn’t give up. I trained harder, and with the support of my family, coach, and teammates, I came back stronger and took first place. The competition was tough, and I’m grateful to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation for their continuous support and for organising top-tier events like this.”

(Source: Wam)